Samkelo Matomela

Samkelo Matomela (b. 1996, eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal) is a South African artist whose love for art flourished after moving to Soweto. After completing matric, he initially studied Town and Regional Planning before pursuing his passion for art at Artist Proof Studio in Johannesburg, where he trained as a printmaker. The transition to Soweto, where he moved at the age of 14, exposed him to new languages and cultures, significantly influencing his artistic journey.

This diverse community inspired him to create work reflecting the struggles and resilience of individuals in these neighborhoods. The butterfly motif symbolizes hope and overcoming circumstances, reinforcing the message that transformation is always possible.

Samkelo's art is inspired by both internal and external experiences, exploring vulnerabilities as a man navigating life and emotions. By applying thick layers of paint and using the impasto technique, he conveys the depth of these feelings. His portraits and figures often lack facial details, allowing viewers to see themselves in the work and engage on a deeper level. He primarily focuses on portraiture and semi-nude figures, believing these to be our most intimate states.

The butterfly in Samkelo's work represents hope and change. This motif recurs throughout his art as a symbol of transformation and resilience. The hood in his work serves as an antidote and a symbol that people can turn to in various circumstances. His work captures the struggles of teenagers, the impact of unemployment on youth, and the overall resilience of individuals in his community.