Born in Tembisa, Giggs Kgonamotse Kgole received a scholarship to attend St John’s College in Houghton, and never looked back. He became the first person in his family to complete Grade 12.
Now, Kgole is a young international award-winning visual artist who is making waves in the global art scene. He opened his own art gallery, GasLamp in Maboneng, at the age of 21, making him one of the youngest gallery owners in Africa.
Also known as the “mighty ancestor of Limpopo”, the visual artist draws inspiration from his background, his ancestors, the people around him and his surroundings. His work honours and recognises the roots and heritage of his ancestors.
Kgole uses different media – from paper, wood, steel and fabric to holograms and QR codes to create his masterpieces.
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Kgole displayed his Coming Of Age exhibition at Circa Gallery and became the youngest visual artist to ever showcase at the gallery at age 20.
The John Cabot University student’s art is recognised and seen globally.
Actor and model Maps Maponyane owns one of his 3-D paintings, as seen on Top Billing. He is recognized by Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young SA and is also a recipient of the People’s Choice Awards for his masterpiece, God Ke Mama. He received a Presidential Scholarship to Rome. Mentored by William Kentridge, Kgole is fast becoming one of the most prominent artists to be birthed from Africa.
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Prior to his undeniable global success, Kgole exhibited his artwork at the Pretoria Art Museum. At 19, he showcased his first-ever solo exhibition at the Julie Miller Investment Art Institute. He then went on to make his first commercial art sale to Julie Miller and Mount Nelson Hotel, successfully selling 12 of his 18 masterpieces.
Some of his international exhibitions include “Say My Name”, curated by Khalil Akar and presented by Oscar nominated filmmaker, Ava Duvernay. Kgole displayed “Boshielo”, an oil painting that depicts the femicide and Gender based violence faced by South African women. “STOP KILLING OUR MOTHERS" was written in large characters on the piece.
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He's soon to open a personal studio and an art centre for his disadvantaged community back in Kutupu village. The art centre aims to preserve African art and bring Limpopo to the world.
The 24-year-old visual artist is currently showcasing his work in Mayfair London, at Signature African Art. “I want to be remembered for coming from nothing and becoming something and inspiring people, even if it’s only one person, that’s enough,” says Kgole from Milan.
Catch this young history-maker in his upcoming exhibitions in London, Miami, Monaco, Burkina Faso and many more! Kgole will be collaborating with other artists for a show in Johannesburg in August 2022. His 13th solo exhibition will be showcased in Monaco in September 2022.
You can view more of Giggs Kgole's art here, on Instagram and Twitter.
Written by Tendani Rabale.