JUSTICE SFISO KA-MKAME (b. 1963)
Untitled
1984
watercolour on paper
20 x 29 cm
BIOGRAPHY
Justice Sfiso Ka-Mkame was born in in Clermont, Durban. Ka-Mkame is largely self-taught and began his artistic journey by drawing on sand walls as a child. He later received formal art training at the Open School in Durban in 1982 and at the Little E Theatre in 1983.
His involvement with Community Arts and Thupelo workshops, established by artists such as David Koloane and Bill Ainslie, played a significant role in shaping his career.
Ka-Mkame gained recognition for his powerful works during the apartheid era, particularly with his ‘love letters’ series, in which he used bold oil-pastel techniques to address social issues and day-to-day struggles. His work often engages with themes of struggle, protest, and spiritual concerns. Ka-Mkame’s art is noted for its textured and layered quality, combining vibrant colors with deep social commentary.
He is one of the founding members of the Durban collective, 3rd Eye Vision, and has held numerous exhibitions throughout his career. His artworks can be found in collections such as the Campbell Smith Collection.