Tshepang-Sylvester
Sylvester Tshepang was born on November 4, 1982, in Phokeng village, South Africa. He developed a passion for art in primary school, inspired by his cousin. In 1995, he attended Tlhabane Technical and Commercial Middle School, studying technical drawing, metalwork, and woodwork. In 1996, during a BUYO youth camp, he received his first art commission to depict Bafokeng landscapes.
After finishing high school in 2000, he studied art at Pretoria North College in 2001. In 2003, he returned to Phokeng, took business classes, and opened his first art studio, offering painting, wood carving, beadwork, and mosaics. He was also a poet and musician with Mmoki Poetry Collective.
In 2005, he led the Royal Bafokeng Blueprint Project, working with 29 artists. From 2009 to 2012, he studied Fine and Applied Art at Tshwane University of Technology, earning a Diploma and B-Tech degree. He was a finalist in the PPC Young Sculptor Awards (2010) and Sasol New Signatures (2012).
From 2014 to 2016, he worked as an art facilitator, toured Turkey, co-curated the Rustenburg Rapid Transport project, and curated an exhibition at Royal Marang Hotel. From 2017 to 2019, he taught art to youth and judged international competitions.
In 2020, he curated the Batswana History and Heritage Preservation exhibition. In 2021, he joined the Workers Day exhibition and a mural project. In 2022, he trained 20 youth in painting and exhibited their work.
He has been featured on SABC’s Vukuzenzele, Pretoria News, Herald newspaper, Art-Times magazine, and People of the Dew.
作品
Tlhogo ya lapa
Created in Hong Kong, 2024
Ink on paper
50 x 50 cm
HK$10,000
“Tlhogo ya lapa” means the head of the clan, and in this artwork, I used the figure of a man (right side of the image) to represent this concept. I also drew from a childhood memory of herding cattle, where each cattle owner had a unique symbol registered and associated with them. This symbol was branded onto all the cattle to signify ownership.
Value of a Cow
Created in Hong Kong, 2024
Ink on paper
50 x 50 cm
HK$10,000
In this image, I incorporated various cow tags I have encountered since childhood. In Setswana, a cow tag is called Letswao la kgomo. The introduction of crop farming and animal domestication transformed the way of life for many African communities, including the Batswana. Among these groups, owning cattle became a symbol of status, bringing dignity and honor to those who possessed them. While crop farming was highly valued, cattle played a crucial role in both farming and transportation. Cows were used as draft animals for plowing fields and transporting crops after harvest. A man who owned cattle was, and still is, considered wealthy, and the cow remains a significant symbol of prosperity in many African cultures today.
African Landscape 2
Created in Hong Kong, 2024
Ink on paper
50 x 50 cm
HK$10,000
African Landscape 2 is an expression of the natural harmony, order, and profound beauty of the African landscape. Nature embodies the perfect balance, constantly teaching us about equilibrium. The African climate is among the most beautiful in the world, with a well-balanced atmosphere that allows a diverse range of animal species and plant life to flourish. For human beings, Africa is a paradise. Rich in natural resources, our continent holds unmatched value in the history of human civilization.