Naledi Tshegofatso Modupi

South Africa

Naledi Tshegofatso Modupi is a multi-dimensional visual artist known for her versatility and her ability to seamlessly manoeuvre between digital art territories and traditional art mediums. Born in 1999 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her vibrant and expressive portraits are consistent in the use of bold colours highlighting eyelids, cheekbones, chins, or ears while continuous lines define each face distinctly. In addition to portraiture, Modupi experiments with other genres such as still life, and abstractions using a variety of mediums including oil paint, acrylics, charcoal, ink, and even digital art. No matter the medium or genre, Modupi’s work is characterized by its strong use of colour and line. Her work has been featured in numerous group exhibitions across South Africa and she is quickly gaining recognition as a young emerging artist in the country.

Art has long been a tool for self-expression, used to communicate emotions and ideas that cannot be conveyed through words alone. For artist Modupi, her work is heavily inspired by the beauty of blackness and characteristics associated with women. Through it she celebrates women’s unique and empowering stories, and aims to inspire confidence and awaken hope in those who are able to find their reflections in her pieces, just as she sees her work as a reflection of the faces surrounding her. Growing up, Modupi wasn’t exposed to many forms of art that reflected her own identity. This led her on a journey to not only create art that represented herself and her community, but also to share it with the world in the hopes of sparking meaningful conversations and connections. Her work speaks to the shared experience of being a black woman, while also celebrating the individual strengths and stories that make each one of us unique. In a time where we are often bombarded with negative messages about blackness, Modupi’s art is a much-needed breath of fresh air that encourages us to see the beauty and power in ourselves.

This artwork is powerful in its ability to show the progressive loss of hair due to climate change. The artwork balding of black women’s hair as a metaphor for global warming is not only significant, but the exploration of the impact global warming has on hair is important.

According to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, it is “likely” that human-induced climate change has contributed to less hair growth in humans. As the impact of climate change becomes more visible, it is important to explore how it is affecting our everyday lives.

The artwork balding of black women’s hair as a metaphor for global warming does just that. The concept is focused on how people are affected by global warming and how we can take steps towards making our planet sustainable for future generations. We have a responsibility to take care of our planet and its inhabitants. Climate change is not just about the environment, it’s about human health and well-being. By taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint, we can help to prevent further damage to our hair and skin and protect our planet for future generations.

FEATURED

ARTISTS