Biography

Kagiso Diale, born on 4th July 1994 at the end of Apartheid in South Africa, is part of the country's first "Born Free" generation. Raised in the township of Soweto, where his family still lives, Diale experienced the ideology of a rainbow nation in his early years. His true exposure to diverse races and backgrounds came later during his studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he initially pursued mechanical engineering before earning a Bachelor of Architectural Studies. Diale draws on his experiences of South Africa's complex social tapestry and his upbringing in a single-parent household with his mother, two sisters, and two brothers. His perspective often reflects that of an outsider looking in, offering a fresh lens on South African life.

Artist Statement

Kagiso Diale's work delves into themes of spirituality, violence, class differences, township architecture, history, and cultural identity in contemporary South Africa. Through these themes, he seeks to uncover a genuine understanding of what defines "home." His chosen mediums include watercolour, charcoal, and ink, and he has recently expanded into printmaking with etching at Artist Proof Studio. Diale also explores his concepts through digital art, illustrations, short films, and animation. Once described by a lecturer as a "rough and untidy creative that yearns for clean work," Diale allows each piece to present its narrative boldly, without dilution.