South African Artist David Koloane, Champion of Black Artists, Dies at 81

David Koloane, an influential artist from Johannesburg who advocated for black artists during and after apartheid, passed away at the age of 81. Throughout his career, he established numerous opportunities, including co-founding the first Black Art Gallery in 1977, the Thupelo workshop in 1985, and the Bag Factory Artists’ Studios in 1991. From 1985 to 1990, he led the fine art section and gallery of the Federated Union of Black Artists. Koloane organized significant international exhibitions, such as the 1982 Culture and Resistance Arts Festival in Botswana and the 1990 Zabalaza Festival in London. His expressive artwork, which depicted Johannesburg's townships and street life, was showcased globally, including at the 2013 Venice Biennale. A retrospective titled A Resilient Visionary: Poetic Expressions of David Koloane is currently displayed at the Iziko South African National Gallery in Cape Town until 1 June 2020.