Thabong-born artist, Nkoali Nawa, discovered one of his oldest works in King’s Square, London, during a recent visit to this metropolis.
Last week, Nawa was attending the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, held at Somerset House, London, when he saw the work hanging on a wall in an upmarket restaurant in King’s Square.
This event was hosted by 1-54 London, in partnership with Nando’s UK, from 13 to 16 October.
Nawa has been affiliated with the Spier Art Trust and Nando’s for almost 15 years.
This acclaimed artist initially worked in the mines. He holds a national diploma in fine arts and an undergraduate academic degree from the then Technicon Free State, now known as the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State.
Nawa is known and revered in his local community, where he was an art teacher and mentor for many years. His works are known throughout South Africa, the continent, and also the world.
In 2002 he was a visiting artist at the Bag Factory, Johannesburg, and at the Greatmore Art Studios, Woodstock.
In 2003, he was a national finalist in the Brett Kebble Art Awards, held in Cape Town.
Between 1996 and 2003, Nawa lectured and taught art throughout South Africa.
The four pieces Nawa had on exhibition in London are: A Celebration, The Elders’ Choice (Injoli), Women’s Conversation and Reminiscing. All four are charcoal drawings on 70 cm x 100 cm Fabriano paper.
