Mohau Modisakeng is a South African artist born in Soweto in 1986. He is known for his work in photography, sculpture, installation, and performance art, each exploring themes of history, body, and culture, with a specific focus on the post-apartheid social context of South Africa. Modisakeng's work often delves into the personal and collective experiences of violence, labor, and displacement, influenced by his upbringing in a country steeped in a history of racial segregation and struggle.
He completed his undergraduate degree at the Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town, and his work has since been exhibited both locally and internationally. Notable among his works is the series "Ditaola," which showcased his mastery of large-scale photographic prints and sculptures that articulate deep narratives about his cultural heritage.
Modisakeng's art is not merely aesthetic but is heavily imbued with symbolic elements that critique contemporary socio-economic issues in South Africa and beyond. His performances and installations are powerful, often involving direct, poignant gestures that encapsulate the resilience and pain of his subjects. He has gained considerable recognition for his approach to tackling complex historical and contemporary issues, making him one of the prominent voices in South African contemporary art.
His international presence was marked by his representation of South Africa at the 57th Venice Biennale in 2017, an event that significantly bolstered his reputation on the global stage. Modisakeng's work continues to challenge, provoke, and inspire a global audience, making him a critical figure in the discourse around the impact of apartheid and its ongoing effects in South Africa.