”Inner thoughts ll" Painting

Biography Clement Mohale (b. 1994) is a contemporary artist born in a small town of Bela-Bela at South Africa . His passion for art began in childhood, and he had the honor of being mentored by the late Ernest Ditshego at The African Art Center, where he developed his foundational skills and techniques. In 2007, he won the Manager's Choice Award at the Cashbuild Art At HeArt Community Competition. Over the years, he has participated in numerous exhibitions and special projects, including his 2020 solo exhibition, The Creative Adult is the One Who Survived, at the NWU Gallery, North West University, and the 2021 Shattered Ceilings group exhibition presented by The Pencil Club. Mohale was a finalist for The Lockdown Collection Portfolio in 2020, a project with Artist Proof Studio in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg. That same year, he was also a finalist for The Green Recovery Portfolio project, which focused on climate change and was developed in partnership with the Canada Climate Law Initiative. In 2021, he obtained a certificate in Contemporary Art Practice from the CAP Institute under the mentorship of Prof. Elfriede Dreyer and completed a Printmaking certificate at Artist Proof Studio in Johannesburg. Mohale has also collaborated with the great Esther Mnguni on a project at the Pretoria Art Museum. His work has garnered international recognition, with pieces held in collections across the U.S., Switzerland, Germany, France, England, the UK, and beyond. Through his bold use of color, expressive figures, and compelling narratives, Mohale continues to create art that sparks dialogue on identity, resilience, and social change. Artist Statement My work explores identity, resilience, and transformation, deeply rooted in the everyday experiences of African people. Growing up in South Africa, I became fascinated by the complexities of the human condition, which led me to capture and share the struggles of the less fortunate. I use a blend a of oil and acrylic paints on canvas to communicate my ideas. Through expressive brushwork and layered hues, I convey the weight of lived experiences, particularly in children whose eyes hold untold stories. I paint my subjects in monochrome blues because the color carries deep emotional significance for me. Blue represents both struggle and hope. It reflects the complexities of the human experience, the inner battles we face, and the resilience that keeps us moving forward.