Biography

Obakeng Masilo (born 01 January 2001) is a visual artist based in Johannesburg, South African. Masilo specialises in drawing, painting, and printmaking. Currently, Masilo is completing his 3^rd year at Artist Proof Studio in which he endeavours to push the boundaries of printmaking by cross pollinating intaglio, Lithography, Linocut, and screen print printmaking techniques in an innovative and engaging manner. Symbolism as well as the surreal nature of his work allows Masilo to take the viewer on a dream infused theatrical journey as he explores and interrogates fundamental harsh realities of living in post-Apartheid South Africa. Though his work Masilo aims to sparks dialogues and conversations. Masilo’s goal is to complete his 4th year at Artist Proof Studio and establish himself as an emerging artist in South Africa. He aims to exhibit his work locally and internationally as he believes that his work carries a universal message of transformation and change. In 2023, Masilo won the prestigious CCAC student competition award at the Constitutional Court. The winning works will form part of the collection of the court which will be showcase both locally and later in the United States of America as well as Europe.

Artist Statement

My body of work explores the concept of classism and its impact on the people of South Africa. Through this series of prints I investigate how the horrific legacy of apartheid and colonialism endures as previously disadvantaged South Africans hold fewer assets, have fewer skills, earn lower wages, and are still more likely to be unemployed. I would argue that it's not just income inequality that is a cause for concern but also unequal access to opportunities and essential public services. The lower-class citizens of South Africa face the reality of a lack of access to land, better access to health care, and the sad but ever so often case of children falling into pit latrines (pit toilets) due to failures in the provision of ablution facilities.

Within my prints I merge a cow head on top of a range of figures to symbolise the wealthy members in South African societies. The balloon-headed figures represent the lower- and middle-class citizens. Through my work I aim to shed light on the complex dynamics of social stratification in our country. The wealthy figures in my works are often dressed in Victoria styled clothing. By styling these figures in this manner I am referencing the European colonial influence that has had a crippling effect on the marginalised members of society.

By placing these figures in colonial farm settings as well as modern day township and city landscapes I aim to drew links to the past state of our country as well as the present, highlighting the fact that in as much as a lot has been done to move our country forward, a lot more still needs to be done to bridge the divide and erase the legacy of the past. By drawing inspiration from South Africa’s history of apartheid and the ancient kingdom of Mapungubwe, I delve into the intertwined narratives of classism and colonialism. Through the work I examine the historical context of British and Dutch colonisation, I seek to uncover and challenge the lasting effects of these power structures on our society. Through my artwork, I strive to provoke critical conversations about the various ways in which classism manifests in modern-day South Africa. By visually representing the disparities and inequalities that exist within our society, I hope to challenge existing perceptions and foster a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of different social classes. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society by highlighting the complexities of classism and encouraging dialogue and reflection on its impact on individuals and communities.