NELSON MAKAMO| b. 1982 Modimolle, Limpopo Johannesburg-based Artist Nelson Makamo is best known for his charcoal and oil paintings that redresses decades of images that have portrayed African children in destitute. Makamo’s career spans sixteen years since the year he received his formal training at Artist proof studios, in Johannesburg. However, he has managed to solidify an iconic signature and a subject matter that has steadily placed him on a global stage, making him one of the world’s young and most sought-after visual artists of our times. Makamo has exhibited in South Africa, the USA, France, Italy, the Netherlands, England, and Scotland. His work is featured in prestigious public and private collections. Nelson Makamo’s artwork speaks to changing the global mindset of what it means to be an African child. His portraits have strong emotions that every young African possess, from conviction to prowess and determination, you cannot help but resonate with every piece. His mixed media style and a unique mark-making technique that breaks the scholarly rules is a very distinct signature.

Solo Exhibitions

2021: BLUE, Los Angeles, USA.

2021: Fortitude, Makasiini Contemporary, Turku, Finland.

2021: Human Grace - Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa.

2020: Botho, Motho, Batho - Johannesburg, South Africa.

2019: NELSON MAKAMO IN PARIS - France.
2017: I Am the Soul of Azania | Gallery of African Art GAFRA, London, England.
2016: Dipolelo Exhibition | Paris, France.
2014: Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa.
2014: Everard Read, Johannesburg, South Africa.
2013: Salon 91, Cape Town, South Africa.
2011: Museum Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa.
2010: Movement, Factory Gallery
2009: Sharing Realities II | African Studies Centre, Leiden,
2009: Netherlands; Walk with Me, UTS Gallery, Edinburgh, Scotland.
2009: A Place I Call Home, Gallery on the Square, Johannesburg, South Africa.
2008: Moving into Light, KZNSA Gallery, Durban, South Africa;
2008: Sharing Realities, Gallery Izarte, Zutphen, Netherlands.
2005: Walk with Me, Obert Contemporary Art Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Group Exhibitions

2021: Emancipate Immigration, AKAA, Lyon France.

2020: Say It Loud, Christies, NYC USA.

2018: AKAA, France.
2017: No Commission Dean Collection | Krafwerk Rummelsberg, Berlin, Germany.
2017: Salon Zurcher Africa Art Fair | Zurcher Gallery, New York, USA.
2016: Post-it | Constitution Hill, Johannesburg, South Africa.
2015: 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair | CIRCA Gallery, London.
2014: FNB Joburg Art Fair | Everard Read Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa .
2013: Art Angels | Ellerman House Charity Auctions.
2012: Figuring Differences | curated by Andrew Lamprecht, salon 91, Cape Town.
21st Anniv. Celebration of Artist Proof Studios | Johannesburg Art Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa
2010: Young Contemporaries | Galerie Nikki Diana Marquardt, Paris France.
My City | Arts on Main, Johannesburg, South Africa.
2009: City Link | Gallery 23, Amsterdam, Netherlands;
Gallery on the Square, Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa.
2007: Cultural and Business Art Exhibition | Somma Lombardo, Italy
Making Identity | The Thompson Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa.
2006: Ten Years of Printmaking | David Krut Print Studios, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Student and Staff Artists Proof Studio Exhibition | Gallery on the Square, Johannesburg South Africa.
2003: Student and Staff Artists Proof Studio Exhibition | RAU Art Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Print Marathon, Boston, USA.