Frans THOKA (born 1997) - Lot 31

Frans THOKA (born 1997) Segolo VIII Painting on Basotho cover 26 cm diameter Frans Moshimanyana Thoka was born in 1997 in Polokwane, Limpopo province, South Africa. He lives and works in Johannesburg. Although he holds a degree in visual arts from the University of Johannesburg, Frans Thoka considers himself a self-taught artist. His work revolves around the concept of what is human; "his belief in the shared and universal nature of our common humanitý." Through his work, he subverts the inequalitý in "human" interaction and emphasizes the need for dignitý and kindness. His artistic approach is, in a way, a reflection of the trials and difficulties of his upbringing and the history of his family and country. He uses prison blankets as support, which emphasizes the bare necessities available to those marginalized in societý and reminds the viewer of the realitý of these people. The medium is essential, not only for Thoka's iconography, but also for the social significance of his work.