Local artist, Sandile Goje, will run his first solo exhibition since studying in Sweden, in Johannesburg from 20 August until 3 September.
Goje's exhibition of 27 prints will take place at the Art On Paper Gallery in Braamfontein, and is entitled 'Walk with me'.
Growing up in the dusty streets of Joza, Goje enjoyed drawing but did not yet know how much of an impact art would have on his life. "I joined Dakawa [Arts Centre] in 1992, and learnt a lot about art, and that's where I realised that I was born to be an artist," said Goje.
Local artist, Sandile Goje, will run his first solo exhibition since studying in Sweden, in Johannesburg from 20 August until 3 September.
Goje's exhibition of 27 prints will take place at the Art On Paper Gallery in Braamfontein, and is entitled 'Walk with me'.
Growing up in the dusty streets of Joza, Goje enjoyed drawing but did not yet know how much of an impact art would have on his life. "I joined Dakawa [Arts Centre] in 1992, and learnt a lot about art, and that's where I realised that I was born to be an artist," said Goje.
In 1994 Goje received a scholarship to study art in Sweden, and he stayed there for two years and worked with other artists. "When I was studying in Sweden, I had an opportunity to have my first solo exhibition, which was a great achievement for me," he said proudly.
After returning to South Africa, Goje went back to Dakawa and shared the knowledge and skills he learnt in Sweden with other Grahamstown artists.
Since then Goje turned to the big cities to meet and collaborate with other artists. He featured in many group exhibitions, where he worked with artists like Jonathan Carmerford from Cape Town, and Frank Ledimo from Johannesburg.
Johannesburg is also where he built a strong relationship with Artist Proof Studio, where he displayed most of his work, and the Art On Paper Gallery.
'Walk with me' will show a collection of linocut prints – this being his favourite medium – that mostly depict South African life, as well as some pictures of political commentary.
"I am inspired by lots of things," Goje said, "like the daily lives of the people of my community." When in Grahamstown Goje still works with Dakawa sometimes, and has taken part in the Grahamstown National Arts Festival for many years, except this year because he was busy preparing for his upcoming exhibition.
Goje has received financial assistance from both the National Arts Council and the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council.
Odwa Funeka is an independent citizen journalist for the Grocott's Mail
