“Home is the people,” — a sentiment echoing throughout Matloga’s oeuvre, finds its most profound realisation in Bagwera. In these ten pieces, the South African artist brings forth his innate ability to encapsulate moments of intimacy, unity, and the sheer joy of being, transcending the boundary of individual memory to tap into a shared collective consciousness.

 

Walking through this series, viewers are welcomed into familiar yet foreign scenes: a jovial gathering around a coffee table, the tenderness of couples, and the exuberant dance of a community. Each collage, meticulously rendered in a blend of charcoal and ink, is intertwined with photographic fragments that blur the lines between the known and the imagined.

 

In this realm, the familiar face of a celebrity might meld seamlessly with the loving gaze of a family member, challenging our perceptions of social status and hierarchy. As the collages meld faces from disparate sources, they serve as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity and the interconnectedness of our lives.

www.neomatloga.com