Kagiso Diale
Kagiso Diale was born at the end of Apartheid South Africa in 1994, on the 4th of July, and became part of the first “Born Free” generation in the country. He grew up and attended school in the township of Soweto, where his family still resides today. Despite being brought up in the ideology of a rainbow nation during his first eighteen years, Kagiso only became exposed to different races and backgrounds in his years at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he first studied mechanical engineering before he alternatively went on to obtain a Degree in the Bachelor of Architectural Studies. He uses his insights and experiences of the broader frame work of the South African tapestry to spark his creative thinking. In addition, he is informed by his experiences of growing up in a single parent household, living with his mother, his two sisters and his two brothers. He has a unique perspective at times almost that of an outsider looking in. His work explores and reflects on themes such as spirituality, violence, class differences, township architecture and history, and cultural identity in modern South Africa. He uses these themes to form an honest understanding of what makes up the idea of home. Kagiso uses mediums such as watercolour, charcoal and ink, and until recently, by printmaking through etching with Artist Proof Studio, to depict his works. He also explores his ideas and skills through digital art, illustrations, short films and animation. Once described by his lecturer as a “rough and untidy creative that yearns for clean work”, Kagiso tries not to soften the tone of each piece he creates, but to rather let it carry its story vehemently so.
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