Original South African Solomon Siko Painting On Canvas

An incredible and vibrant acrylic on canvas painting by South African artist Solomon Siko (b. 1965 d.2007). Thick outlines, broad brushstrokes, vivid colors, and textured paint depict life in South Africa- here, a street scene where colorfully dressed townspeople make their way down the street with a dog. Two of the women to talk together (gossiping?) and a third carries a basket or baby in front. A wonderful and charming depiction of everyday life in South Africa. Signed in corner. Good condition with no noticeable damage to the painting. Frame has some damage, such as the black finish chipping on one corner and showing wear on the others. Some scratching to frame. Any signs of wear to frame so not distract from the piece. Dust jacket is ripped on the back. A keen satirist and visual narrator, Siko chooses his images for their strong associative values to make a moral point. He seeks empowerment, participation and a voice for all in a post colonial world. The traditional response to a greeting in Africa is ‘I see you!” This is a excerpt from the 2005 Cape Gallery Solomon Siko invitation, written by Gail Dorje. Siko's vibrant paintings on heavily textured and engraved board are the theatre for a richly imaginative portrayal of 'Street Life'. Siko loves to sketch the world around him. He combines these sketches in his larger studio pieces. The integration of his different sketches requires that he be fully articulate in the visual language he chooses. Humour is a positive force in our multicultural society: Siko, with his real gift for charicature, is still gentle in his application. Solomon Siko studied Art at C.A.P. (Community Arts Project) in Woodstock, Cape Town from 1987 to 1989. Siko has displayed his work at The Cape Gallery since 1992. Siko, as Peter Clarke says, was born with a powerful creative drive. He is a man of integrity and one who does not take his impressive talent for granted. He walks a difficult path in redefining values with care. He upholds the precept of 'Ubuntu' - that is a mutual respect for another's culture. Siko, as a respected member of his community, has also become a cultural envoy for South Africa, with his works owned by people nationally as well as internationally.