Phula Richard Chauke

The World in Our Country Fifa World Cup 2010 (Wood and paint, Size variable)

Artist's Statement

My works are based on observations of life around me and my feelings about this life. So I notice the pride of the soccer players but I also notice people like President Zuma, Nelson Mandela, Mbeki and Sepp Blatter, the FIFA president travelling on the freeway to the World Cup. In Polokwane I continue to observe politicians in their different roles (seen in the busts which I created) or driving in their cars. I also observe people of religion such as Bishop Tutu and Emperor Selassie, who was a live god and whose hand reflects what the great culture of Rasta means in my sculpture. In the depictions of the Tsonga tribe who now stay in Limpopo, I show the presence of symbols that live on through time. Sculptures of women, a mother, a sangoma and a sister represent a circle of life that has been passed on for generations and endures.

Artist's Biography

Born: Gandlanani Khani village, Giyani, 1979. Lives and works in Giyani. Major exhibitions: BMW Tributaries; Spier Contemporary 2007/08; Standard Bank Exhibition; Limpopo Group Exhibition, Polokwane; Absa L’Atelier, Sasol New Signatures.

• Announcing the Audience Choice Award
• Zim Ngqawana and Kyle Shepherd do Vandalizim at Spier Contemporary
• Getting the best from the Exhibition