*1982, Modimolle, South Africa. Lives and works in Johannesburg
Nelson Makamo was born in Nylstroom (now Modimolle), Limpopo province, in 1982. Makamo moved to Johannesburg to join the Artist Proof Studio in January 2003. He was the recipient of the Johnson and Johnson bursary (2005) and the Pinpointone Human Resources Scholarship (2005). Makamo has exhibited in group and solo exhibitions in South Africa, France, Italy, America, Netherlands and Scotland. His first solo exhibition, Walk with Me, was held at the Obert Contemporary Gallery in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. His most notable group exhibition was alongside established South African artists in Ten Years of Printmaking: David Krut Print Studio in 2006. Invited artists included David Koloane, Colbert Mashile, Deborah Bell and William Kentridge. Makamo has recently exhibited with emerging young artists Lehlohonolo Mashaba and Senzo Shabangu in My City exhibition, curated by Andile Magengelele. Makomo's commissioned works include a series of Lekas Lekalakala's portraits for a chamber Lekalakala opened at Potgietersrus (now Mokopane), in 2006. Other commissioned works include portraits of Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, and Walter Sisulu, for Matasis Investment Holdings. Matasis was named after the above mentioned political figures. Makamo's work forms part of a few collections, including those of fashiom mogul Georgio Armani and musician Annie Lenoz. Makamo was Art South Africa's Seventh Bright Young Thing for 2007.
Solo Exhibitions
- 2010. Movement, Factory gallery
- 2009. Sharing Realities II. African Studies Centre. Leiden. Netherlands
- 2009. Walk with Me, UTS Gallery, Edinghburgh. Scotland
- 2009. A Place I Call Home, Gallery on the Square. Johannesburg. South Africa
- 2008. Moving into Light, KZNSA Gallery, Durban. South Africa
- 2008. Sharing Realities, Gallery Izarte, Zutphen. Netherlands
- 2005. Walk with Me, Obert Contemporary Art Gallery, Johannesburg. South Africa
Group Exhibitions
- 2010. Young Contemporaries, Galerie Nikki Diana Marquardt, Paris. France
- 2010. My City, Arts on main, Johannesburg. South Africa
- 2009. City Link, Gallery 23, Amsterdam. Netherlands | Gallery on the Square, Sandton. Johannesburg
- 2007. Cultural and Business Art Exhibition. Somma Lombardo, Italy
- 2007. Making Identity, The Thompson Gallery, Johannesburg. South Africa
- 2006. Ten Years of Printmaking, David Krut Print Studios, Johannesburg. South Africa
- 2006. Student and Staff Artists Proof Studio Exhibition, Gallery on the Square, Johannesburg. South Africa
- 2003. Student and Staff Artists Proof Studio Exhibition, Wits Substation Gallery Print Marathon RAU Art Gallery, Johannesburg. South Africa | Print Marathon, Boston. USA
Catalogues/Publication
- 2010. The Arts Section, Street Art. True Love, pp 90
- 2010. Hengen, E: Das Wahre Gesicht Suidafrokas, Tageblatt, 18
- 2010. Zvomuya, P.: Jozi for the Alienated. Mail and Guardian, pp 6
Collections
- Telkom
- City of Johannesburg
- Unisa
- Matasis Investment Holdings
- Annie Lennox
- Georgio Armani
- Hanzehof Zutphense Kunstcollectie