Zwelethu Machepha

Zwelethu Machepha (b. 1990) is a contemporary artist living and working in his birth city of Johannesburg, South Africa. His artistic journey began with formative classes at the Johannesburg Central Library and the Education Centre at the Joburg Art Gallery. This foundation lead him to pursue formal training in 2010 at a specialised printmaking institution.

Over four years, Machepha honed his craft, not only completing the course but also serving as a Screen Print Technician and Facilitator. In this role, he collaborated with and printed works for some of South Africa's most prominent artists, including William Kentridge, Nelson Makamo, Faith47, and Bambo Sibiya, gaining invaluable technical experience.

Now a full-time artist, Machepha has built an impressive exhibition history. His work has been featured in significant showcases such as the "Ndo-Ima-Dzi Independence Group Exhibition" at Botho Project Space, the 2020 Ake Arts and Book Festival, the 2019 Prizm Art Fair in Miami, and a fundraising exhibition for the Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize. He has also been an invited artist at Sibisi Gallery and the Sharon Simpson annual printmaking show.

Machepha's growing reputation is cemented by the inclusion of his work in notable private and corporate collections, including the Arts and Culture Trust Fund and the African Arts Fund.