Atang Tshikare

Atang Tshikare (b. 1980, Bloemfontein, South Africa) is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist whose work bridges the worlds of street art, sculptural furniture, functional art, and fine art sculpture. From his early influences through the visual storytelling of his father, an anti-Apartheid activist and illustrator, Tshikare developed a distinctive style that critiques political corruption and social inequalities.

In 2010, he founded Zabalazaa Designs, collaborating with local artists and working on notable commissions such as Chimurenga Magazine, Adidas Originals, BMW, MTV Base, Belvedere Vodka, and Nando’s. His work has been extensively exhibited by Southern Guild gallery (2012-2020) and has featured at prominent international events, including Design Miami/Basel with Dior and the Metropolitan Museum in New York.

His exhibitions include the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, PAD London, and Design Days Dubai. Tshikare's art emerges from dynamic negotiations between urban contemporary art and traditional Southern African cultural heritage, deeply rooted in personal experiences and an intuitive understanding of primal matter. His recent works reflect a growing engagement with global art discourse, exemplified by his 2021 show dedicated to his firstborn son, Peo.

With a practice that embraces a visionary African identity within a global contemporary art language, Tshikare continues to shape and influence the contemporary art and design landscape. His accolades and international recognition mark him as one of South Africa's leading contemporary artists.