Biography

Ben Mphande was born in 1996 in a small rural town of Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. He developed his interest in art at Gifford high school and later on at the age of 17 he moved to South Africa in the CBD with his parents. Thereafter he met Philippa Kotzen who became his mentor at the Green Gate gallery at Highlands North in Norwood and had his first exhibition experience. Mphande completed his 3rd year of study in 2020. His work explores the dynamics of living in the city of Johannesburg, specifically how people from other African countries navigate their way in search of a better life and financial opportunity.

Artist Statement

Looking down at the bustling city from the roof of the building I live in, I think of being under the water in a sea scape.  My family and l had to move from Zimbabwe to South Africa when I was 17. I had to adapt to a new environment seeing new faces and hearing different languages and adapting to different cultural beliefs. We came to South Africa in search of greener pastures and a way to better their lives. I think of freshwater fish trying to survive in a sea of salty water, some almost make it, and some don’t.