Makwande Art Residence is proud to announce their third and youngest artist in residency, Nthabiseng Boledi Kekana. The talented artist hailing from Alexander township, South Africa, is set to begin her 7-week residency in June of 2023 in the South of France.

Founded by Nomaza Nongqunga Coupez under the Undiscovered Canvas agency, Makwande Art Residency is a non-profit contemporary visual art organisation that fosters creativity, research, and experimentation through its international residency program for emerging African Female artists. Deserving artists are provided with a safe and supportive space to explore Mediterranean French culture, learning from art masters and drawing inspiration from a strong artistic history. The result is nuanced African experiences translated through a Mediterranean lens. The works produced during this transformative journey are then exhibited in France and the UK, exposing artists to exciting new market opportunities and exponentiating their growth.

Kekana’s invitation follows a mentorship relationship fostered over the last 2 years with Coupez. The residency is proud to host an immensely talented young woman who, despite disadvantageous socio-economic circumstances, has continued to stay true to her gift and calling. ‘We are extremely honored to champion her voice by affording her an environment where she can grow and produce works that will be far ahead of her time.’, says Coupez.

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An excited, albeit nervous 24-year-old Kekana is looking forward to her first international trip. Raised by a single mother in one of South Africa’s poorest townships, pursuing her dreams has not been easy but has been sustained by a deep sense of purpose. The residency award is an affirmation of years of hard work and unbridled talent. She says ‘I do not have expectations because expectations can limit one’s experience. I simply want to fully embrace a new world and interpret it as I see it. I am keen to investigate European art beyond what I learned in art school, to draw lines back to its African influences.'

Makwande art residency could not be prouder to propel Kekana’s upward trajectory. In an era where funding is next to non-existent for African female artists, the residency is grateful to the private donors who continue to believe in the African dream. Their generosity is a testament that Mkwande’s vision to support emerging African female artists is echoed within the global community. 

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A new star makes its way into the skies
Words by Dzunisani Ngobeni

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