oil and collage on paper

Artwork date: 2012
Signature details: signed and dated bottom right
Exhibited: Gallery MOMO, Johannesburg, 'Blessing Ngobeni: In His State of Madness', 10 April to 19 May 2014.

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107.5 x 212 cm; framed size: 127 x 227.5 x 6 cm

Provenance:

Private collection, Johannesburg.

MOMO Gallery, Johannesburg.

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Blessing Ngobeni's exhibition, In His State of Madness, presented at Gallery MOMO in 2014 delved into the intricate and often chaotic interplay between power and the human psyche. In these works, Ngobeni investigated how societal power structures influence individual behaviour, leading to a complex state of mind where the lines between control and chaos blur. This body of work is marked by an exploration of how power, when unchecked, can lead to a collective madness that spreads through society, often imperceptibly to those at the helm.

One of the standout pieces in this collection was This Political Song, a mixed-media composition that epitomises Ngobeni’s approach to visual storytelling. The piece is a dynamic fusion of collage, paint, and abstract forms, creating a narrative that oscillates between reality and fiction. This intricate and layered work captures the dual nature of power ­– its potential to both uplift and corrupt. The figures in the artwork appear to be caught in a struggle between these opposing forces, their forms fragmented and distorted as they navigate a world shaped by conflicting impulses.

At the centre of the composition, a green figure stands out, becoming the focal point within the chaotic backdrop. The figure's face is marked by a contemplative expression and thoughtful demeanour. Surrounding this central figure, abstract shapes and fragmented human forms seem to merge with the background, their outlines fading as they become part of the complex, layered scene. The interplay of these elements creates a sense of movement and depth, drawing the eye across the varied textures and patterns that fill the composition.

Ngobeni's use of mixed media is particularly effective in conveying the tension between control and chaos. The layers of imagery not only depict the external manifestations of power but also hint at the internal psychological conflict that accompanies it. The fragmented nature of the figures, combined with the varied textures and tones, suggests a world in flux, where stability is elusive, and the impact of power is both pervasive and deeply personal.

COLLECTORS NOTE

• The record price for Blessing Ngobeni at auction is R 318 640 for the artwork Died, sold at Aspire Art in Johannesburg in 2021.

• Ngobeni was a finalist for the 2024 Norval Sovereign African Art Prize, exhibiting his selected work at The Norval Foundation in Cape Town.

• Accolades include the Standard Bank’s 2020 Young Artist Award; the 2013 Arts and Culture Trust ImpACT Award and the 2011 Reinhold Cassirer Art Award presented by Nadine Gordimer.

• In 2016, the artist launched the Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize, an annual residency supporting young emerging artists, which he sponsors to nurture new talent in South Africa.

• Prestigious international art fairs and biennales include the 2019 Venice Biennale, EXPO Chicago, PULSE Miami Beach, where he was part of Everard Read’s presentations, Frieze Los Angeles 2024, Art Basel, Miami Beach in 2021 and Frieze New York in 2021.

• His work is included in the Phaidon publication, Vitamin P3: New Perspectives in Painting (2016).

COLLECTIONS:

The artist is represented in numerous local and international collections, notably, the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Paris and the Johannesburg Art Gallery.