​Contemporary South African Art

Nkosi, Charles

Born: 1949 Durban

A painter and graphic artist of landscapes, genre, figures and abstract pictures.  Works in oil, acrylic, watercolour, gouache, ink, wash, pencil, charcoal, wood, mixed media and in various graphic media; also creates collages.

Studies: 1974-76 on a three year study grant from the South African Institute of Race Relations at Rorke’s Drift Art Centre under the Swedish artist Otto Lundbohm, the American artists Gabrielle and Carl Ellertson and Jules van de Vijver

Profile: For his graduation he produced a 13 page portfolio entitled “Crucifixion”.  A textile designer and printer.  1981 a member of the NSA. 1980-81 an art tutor at the Durban Open School at Abangami; 1982 set designs for “Domba”, a play by Matsemela Manaka which was produced at the Funda Centre, Soweto.

Exhibitions: He has participated in group exhibitions from 1974 held throughout SA and Sweden, West Germany,

the USA and Botswana; 1977 NSA Gallery, Durban,

joint exhibition with Duke Ketye and Michael Ntuli; 1979 Mariannhill Art Gallery, Natal, joint exhibition with Bongani Shange; 1988 Johannesburg Art Gallery, Vita Art Now.

Award: 1984 Second Prize Painting, African Arts Festival, University of Zululand.  

Represented: Ethnology Museum, Frankfurt, West Germany; University of Fort Hare; University of Zululand.

Public Commissions: 1978 three life size murals, Glebe Tavern, Durban.

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References: Echoes of African Art.