About the Artist
A former youth activist and political detainee, Xolile Mtakatya began drawing on the prison cell walls to relieve his frustration. After his release, he was encouraged to study art. Mtakatya's work is characterised by vibrant colour combinations, well-developed draftsmanship, a strong sense of line and engaging characters caught in local adventures. His work is concerned with everyday life in all its variety to record and process his personal experiences, and to engage with issues pertaining to history, poetry, African legends, rituals and the politics of gender. Mtakatya’s use of bright colours, bold lines, flat plains and fixed perspective belie the melancholic messages often revealed on closer inspection.
Born in Gugulethu and currently living in Khayelitsha Mtakatya started off attending drawing lessons and this led to him completing a Diploma at the Foundation School of Art majoring in painting and sculpture.
More art by this artist
Interior-Exterior
Xolile Mtakatya
On display at: Alexandria, Alexandria, VA
Untitled
Xolile Mtakatya
On display at: Arundel Mills, Hanover, MD
Other art at this location
Untitled
Xolile Mtakatya
On display: Arundel Mills, Hanover, MD
Beach Side
Sandile Ashabangane Mhlongo
On display: Arundel Mills, Hanover, MD
Untitled
Jill Trappler
On display: Arundel Mills, Hanover, MD
More art at Nando's
Untitled
Richie Madyira
On display: Post Oak, Houston, TX
Taxi Rank
Sandile Ashabangane Mhlongo
On display: National Harbor, Oxon Hill, MD
Home is a Person
Vivien Kohler
On display: Addison, Addison, TX
The Doberman
Khayalethu Sineyile
On display: Montrose, Houston, TX
Flood #3
Tanja Truscott
On display: Addison, Addison, TX
Lonesome Dove
Paul Painting
On display: Cinco Ranch, Katy, TX
Strike
Asanda Kupa
On display: West Loop, Chicago, IL
A Dream between dreams
Alfred Budaza
On display: Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach, VA
Untitled
Boyce Magandela
On display: Oakbrook, Oak Brook, IL
Untitled
Dion Cupido
On display: West Loop, Chicago, IL
