Nelson Makamo

Johannesburg-based Nelson Makamo uses his art to give a voice to the children of his birthplace, Limpopo, the northernmost province of South Africa. He is known for using a variety of expressive mediums such as acrylic, print, watercolour and charcoal drawings, to create candid portraits of children. Makamo’s career spans sixteen years, during which he has solidified an iconic signature and a subject matter that has steadily placed him on a global stage, making him one of the world’s most sought-after young visual artists of our time.

Nelson spent three years studying printmaking at the Artist Proof Studios in Johannesburg. After graduating, his practice continued to evolve through experimenting with a variety of materials, especially with his now-signature medium, charcoal. Equally experimental in nature is his work ethic; Nelson never plans what he is going to paint, he prefers to let creative spontaneity lead the way. His artistic influences, nevertheless, include the likes of contemporary visual artist Dumile Feni, Picasso and Van Gogh.

Nelson’s globally renowned collections have been exhibited in South Africa, the USA, France, Italy, the Netherlands, England, and Scotland. His work is featured in prestigious public and private collections worldwide. Nelson also appeared on ‘The Daily Show with Trevor Noah’ in 2019, where he was lauded for creating a world where young African artists can speak to the world through their art, rather than being told how their art should be accessed.