CONNECT WITH
“DISPARATE AS THEY MAY BE, OUR REACTIONS TO MAKAMO’S WORK HAVE ONE IMPORTANT THING IN COMMON: THEY ARE IRREPRESSIBLE, UNAVOIDABLE AND IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL.”
More Information:
PRIVATE VIEW & PRESS
67 Great Titchfield Street London, W1W 7PT
8th October 6-8pm
RSVP essential for opening: rsvp@riseart.com
EXHIBITION
67 Great Titchfield Street London, W1W 7PT
9-12 October
More information coming soon.
Nelson Makamo, a Johannesburg-based artist, has gained global recognition for his candid portraits of children from his birthplace, Limpopo, the northernmost province of South Africa.
His evolution as an artist is marked by constant experimentation with materials, notably his now-signature medium, charcoal. Renowned for his spontaneous and expressive approach, Makamo embraces creative freedom, allowing his art to unfold organically without preconceived plans.
‘In Conversation’ is a continuation of his experimental practice exploring and further inspiring the intimate and instantaneous dialogue initiated between viewer, artist and art when presented with Makamo’s work.
These pieces, an extensive selection of new work curated by Phin Jennings and Scott Philips, will be contextualised and punctuated by a publication featuring deeply personal encounters with the Makamo’s oeuvre by three contributors: Ashraf Jamal, Nkotsinati Dube, and Ontlotlile Seemala.
FURTHER READING
SUPPORTED BY
SUPPORTED BY
This presentation follows:
MAKAMO'S 2022 LONDON SOLO EXHIBITION WITH RISE ART
This presentation follows:
MAKAMO'S 2022 LONDON SOLO EXHIBITION WITH RISE ART
NELSON MAKAMO
IN CONVERSATION
THE EXHIBITION
ENQUIRY
For inquiries about a specific artwork or to receive personalized guidance from our art advisors, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are committed to providing exceptional service and assisting you in finding the perfect piece for your collection.
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ENQUIRY
UNTITLED
Collage, oil and pastel on Belgian linen
45 x 45 cm | 17.7 x 17.7in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Acrylic and oil on Belgian linen
100 x 100 cm | 39.4 x 39.4 in
Executed in 2024
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ENQUIRY
For inquiries about a specific artwork or to receive personalized guidance from our art advisors, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are committed to providing exceptional service and assisting you in finding the perfect piece for your collection.
For inquiries about a specific artwork or to receive personalized guidance from our art advisors, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are committed to providing exceptional service and assisting you in finding the perfect piece for your collection.
ENQUIRY
“DISPARATE AS THEY MAY BE, OUR REACTIONS TO MAKAMO’S WORK HAVE ONE IMPORTANT THING IN COMMON: THEY ARE IRREPRESSIBLE, UNAVOIDABLE AND IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL.”
PHIN JENNINGS
Nelson Makamo, a Johannesburg-based artist, has gained global recognition for his candid portraits of children from his birthplace, Limpopo, the northernmost province of South Africa.
His evolution as an artist is marked by constant experimentation with materials, notably his now-signature medium, charcoal. Renowned for his spontaneous and expressive approach, Makamo embraces creative freedom, allowing his art to unfold organically without preconceived plans.
‘In Conversation’ is a continuation of his experimental practice exploring and further inspiring the intimate and instantaneous dialogue initiated between viewer, artist and art when presented with Makamo’s work.
These pieces, an extensive selection of new work curated by Phin Jennings and Scott Philips, will be contextualised and punctuated by a publication featuring deeply personal encounters with the Makamo’s oeuvre by three contributors: Ashraf Jamal, Nkotsinati Dube, and Ontlotlile Seemala.
“DISPARATE AS THEY MAY BE, OUR REACTIONS TO MAKAMO’S WORK HAVE ONE IMPORTANT THING IN COMMON: THEY ARE IRREPRESSIBLE, UNAVOIDABLE AND IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL.” – PHIN JENNINGS
Nelson Makamo (b. Limpopo, 1982) initially gained popularity for his intense and joyful drawings of children. These images challenged viewers to reappraise their understandings of the African continent, replacing the negative view prevalent in the media with portraits of hope and optimism. The popularity of such works led to intense press attention, which proved to be a mixed blessing: though it amplified his voice, it also made the artist feel pigeonholed, the nuances and development of his practice drowned out by a one-dimensional feeling media narrative.
Today, though themes from his early work remain pertinent to him, the artist's scope has broadened considerably.
This exhibition presents a body of paintings that touch on a range of themes including identity and personhood within a broader cultural paradigm. Its title is an allusion to the openness and lack of didacticism that Makamo approaches his work with. Rather than tell the viewer what they are looking at, he would rather allow them to form their own interpretations of his paintings and drawings. This way, space is created for a conversation between artist and viewer.
Comprising new paintings and drawings, 'In Conversation' brings together more than 20 new works, traversing familiar and new themes and motifs within the artist's practice. Together, they serve as a series of anchors in an ongoing dialogue between Makamo and his audience.
UNTITLED
Oil and pastel on Belgian linen
50 x 50 cm | 19.7 x 19.7 in
Executed in 2024
EXHIBITION HOURS
Wednesday 9th October 11-8pm
Thursday 10th October 11-8pm
Friday 11th October 11-6pm
Saturday 12th October 11-6pm
Or by appointment
UNTITLED
Collage, acrylic, oil and pastel on Belgian linen
50 x 50 cm | 19.7 x 19.7 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Collage, acrylic and pastel on Belgian linen
50 x 50 cm | 19.7 x 19.7 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Collage, oil, acrylic and pastel on Belgian linen
200 x 200 cm | 78.7 x 78.7 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Collage, oil and pastel on Belgian linen
45 x 45 cm | 17.7 x 17.7in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Acrylic, charcoal and pastel on pape
90 x 71 cm | 35.4 x 27.9 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Acrylic, charcoal and pastel on paper
114 x 84 cm | 44.8 x 33.1 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Acrylic, charcoal and pastel on paper
90 x 71 cm | 35.4 x 27.9 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Acrylic and pastel on paper
90 x 71 cm | 35.4 x 27.9 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Charcoal, pastel and acrylic on paper
90 x 71 cm | 35.4 x 27.9 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Collage, oil, charcoal and pastel on belgian linen
160 x 120 cm | 63 x 47.2 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Watercolour, charcoal and pastel on paper
90 x 71 cm | 35.4 x 27.9 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Watercolour, acrylic and pastel on paper
71 x 54 cm | 27.9 x 21.2 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Acrylic and oil on Belgian linen
100 x 100 cm | 39.4 x 39.4 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Acrylic, charcoal and pastel on paper
90 x 71 cm | 35.4 x 27.9 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Charcoal, acrylic and pastel on paper
114 x 84 | 44.8 x 33.1 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Acrylic, charcoal and pastel on paper
114 x 84 cm | 44.8 x 33.1 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Collage, oil and pastel on Belgian linen
35.5 x 27 cm | 13.9 x 10.6 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Collage, acrylic and pastel on Belgian linen
35.5 x 27 cm | 13.9 x 10.6 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Watercolour, charcoal and pastel on paper
71 x 90 cm | 27.9 x 35.4 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Acrylic, charcoal and pastel on paper
71 x 90 cm | 27.0 x 35.4 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Collage and oil on Belgian linen
27 x 35.5 cm | 10.6 x 13.9 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Oil on Belgian linen
35.5 x 27 cm | 13.9 x 10.6 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Collage, oil and acrylic on Belgian Linen
35.5 x 27 cm | 13.9 x 10.6 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Collage and oil on Belgian linen
27 x 35.5 cm | 10.6 x 13.9 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Collage, acrylic and pastel on Belgian linen
35.5 x 27 cm | 13.9 x 10.6 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Collage, oil and pastel on Belgian linen
35.5 x 27 cm | 13.9 x 10.6 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Collage, oil and acrylic on Belgian Linen
35.5 x 27 cm | 13.9 x 10.6 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Oil on Belgian linen
35.5 x 27 cm | 13.9 x 10.6 in
Executed in 2024
"Makamo's mission is to invoke happiness, to reclaim African identity from the images of misery that are too often broadcast to the world." – ONTLOTLILE SEEMALA
A Limited Edition Journey into the Extraordinary
NELSON MAKAMO: IN CONVERSATION
SUPPORTED BY
NELSON MAKAMO: IN CONVERSATION
Limited Edition Publication - Now Available to Order
Nelson Makamo (b. Limpopo, 1982) first gained recognition for his vibrant, joyful portraits of children, offering a hopeful reimagining of the African continent against media-driven negativity. While his early themes remain significant, Makamo's artistic scope has since expanded.
‘In Conversation’ showcases a diverse body of work exploring themes of identity and personhood within a broader cultural context. The title reflects Makamo’s open, non-didactic approach, inviting viewers to form their own interpretations, creating a meaningful dialogue between artist and audience.
Published by Rise Art on the occasion of the exhibition 'In Conversation' by Nelson Makamo, curated & produced by Phin Jennings & Scott Phillips.
October 8th-12th 2024, 67 Great Titchfield Street, London, W1W 7PT.
Nelson Makamo (b. Limpopo, 1982) first gained recognition for his vibrant, joyful portraits of children, offering a hopeful reimagining of the African continent against media-driven negativity. While his early themes remain significant, Makamo's artistic scope has since expanded.
‘In Conversation’ showcases a diverse body of work exploring themes of identity and personhood within a broader cultural context. The title reflects Makamo’s open, non-didactic approach, inviting viewers to form their own interpretations, creating a meaningful dialogue between artist and audience.
Published by Rise Art on the occasion of the exhibition 'In Conversation' by Nelson Makamo, curated & produced by Phin Jennings & Scott Phillips.
October 8th-12th 2024, 67 Great Titchfield Street, London, W1W 7PT.
FEATURING:
- Artwork produced in 2024 accompanying Nelsons London exhibition "In Conversation" October 8th -12th.
- Foreword from exhibition curator Phin Jennings
- Deeply personal encounters with Makamo’s. oeuvre by contributors: Ashraf Jamal, Nkotsinati Dube, and Ontlotlile Seemala.
- Artwork produced in 2024 accompanying Nelsons London exhibition "In Conversation" October 8th-12th.
- Foreword from exhibition curator Phin Jennings.
- Deeply personal encounters with Makamo’s oeuvre by contributors: Ashraf Jamal, Nkotsinati Dube, and Ontlotlile Seemala.
FEATURING
UNTITLED
Collage and oil on Belgian linen
27 x 35.5 cm | 10.6 x 13.9 in
Executed in 2024
UNTITLED
Collage and oil on Belgian linen
27 x 35.5 cm | 10.6 x 13.9 in
Executed in 2024
"As I walk the streets of my homeland, I recognise those faces in Nelson's work.
I recognise those faces in memories of the streets of cities on other continents. My own flesh and blood.
Myself."– NKOSINATI DUBE
EXHIBITION HOURS
Wednesday 9th October 11-8pm
Thursday 10th October 11-8pm
Friday 11th October 11-6pm
Saturday 12th October 11-6pm
Or by appointment