Artist Biography
Theko Boshomane, born in Polokwane, Limpopo, has always been captivated by the creation of art imbued with poetic qualities. This fascination took root during his teenage years and flourished further when he pursued a degree in Fine Arts at Tshwane University of Technology. Graduating with a B-tech in Fine Arts in 2012, Theko began crafting artworks that served as poignant expressions of the pain stemming from childhood experiences of bullying.
Theko's artistic exploration delves into the profound influence of those formative years on his adult self, encompassing social, spiritual, and emotional realms. Over time, his creative process has evolved into a means of self-healing, facilitating an artistic exchange of hope between the artist and those who engage with his work.
Theko has actively participated in numerous exhibitions, showcasing his art in renowned galleries such as Absa Art Gallery, verard Read, and Pretoria Art Museum. In 2013, he made a notable entry into the Absa L'Atelier art competition, earning a spot among the top 100 artworks. That same year, Theko was honored with the merit award in the Sasol New Signatures art competition.
Currently residing in Johannesburg, Theko continues to create and exhibit his diverse range of artistic expressions, encompassing drawings, paintings, printmaking, and videos.
Artist Statement
My artwork takes a critical view of social and cultural issues, particularly focusing on the topic of bullying as a form of aggression, abuse, and assault. Through my work, I aim to represent the profound pain associated with childhood experiences of being bullied. By exploring themes such as fears, bravery, and spaces, my art delves into the lasting impact of these formative years.
I employ familiar visual symbols and arrange them in a way that promotes a self-healing process. This artistic exchange serves as a conduit for social, spiritual, and emotional hope between myself as the artist and the viewers of my work.
While I don't consider myself a brave individual who willingly exposes my personal life to the public, I see myself as an artist who invites the world into my personal space. I view my drawings, paintings, videos, and installations as poetics, aiming to bring visibility to aspects often overlooked.
My artworks take on various forms, each intended to engage viewers in thoughtful reflection on different manifestations of aggression deeply ingrained in our society's attitudes, ideas, and practices. They are firmly rooted in the experiences of pain, hope, and aesthetics, offering both the artist and the viewers an opportunity to challenge perceptions, broaden perspectives, and embark on a healing journey.
- Waterkloof Arts Alive - Group exhibition 2012 (April)
- Art Fringe Group Exhibition (Organised and Curated by Gordon Froud) - 2012 (September)
- Pretoria Art Museum - TUT Annual Group Exhibition 2010 (November)
- TUT B-tech Graduates Annual Group Exhibition 2013 (February)
- Laca House - 20 Years of Freedom Day Group Exhibition 2013 (April)
- Absa Atelier Art Top 100 Exhibition 2013 (July)
- Sasol New Signatures Top 100 Art Exhibition 2013 (September)
- Sasol New Signatures 2013 Winners Exhibition at University of Stellenbosch 2014 (February)
- Follow the Leader - The Rooster Art Space 2014 (August)
- FNB Art Fair 2015 (September)
- Everard Read Cape Town - Material City 2016 (October)
- Eclectica Contemporary - Kwaai Vol 2 2019 (June)
- Aggog Art Gallery - Moving into Dance Fundraiser 2019 (July)
- The Project Space - Speak 2019 (July)
- LL Editions Turbine Art Fair 2017 (July)
- Absa Art Gallery - Talking to Deaf Ears 2018
- RMB Talent Unlocked - Turbine Art Fair 2018 (July)
- Turbine Art Fair 2022 (July)
- Goethe Institute - Fragile 2019 (July)
- Gallery South - Lewatle “Spirit of the Ocean” 2022 (September)
- Top 100 Absa atelier art competition 2013
- Top 5 Sasol new signatures art competition 2013
- Sasol new signatures Merit award 2013
- South Gallery 2021
- Canvass Collaboration at zeitz Mocca 2022
Our Team
The best team ever!
Theko Boshomane
Artist | Founder