Makgato's exhibiton called Marikana: Truth, probability and paradox is currently showing at the Michaelis Art Library and serves as a commemoration for the events and lives lost at Marikana on 16 August 2012.
"If my paintings sell, it would be a bonus. My objective is to open dialogue about decisions that affect us," he states. "In this exhibition, I am not blaming anybody. I am posing questions and supplying suggestions from my point of view."
He believes that an artist should empower people with the words so that they can get to know more about and appreciate art here in South Africa. As a result Makgato has taken on what he refers to as a "mammoth task" - completing a three year diploma in Media Practice majoring in Journalism through Boston Media House.
"Art does not stand in isolation and more so than ever it provides social commentary on the world around us. It has taken on a role in the media saying and commenting on events or people in a way that mainstream media cannot," says Makgato.
While looking at the art pieces, one cannot help but notice the emphasis on the mouths of the portrayed characters: a social commentary on the lack of a voice. Through his art, Chepape aims at giving these characters a voice. He calls them "heroes, crusaders of economic stability." Weapons are prominently displayed and it is through these weapons that the characters are trying to make themselves heard because their own voices are silenced.
It is his hope that his studies at Boston will give him a further understanding of the world around him in order to give his art even more relevance.
At just 25 years old, this rising star, has achieved more than many pack into a whole lifetime. Having started off studying printmaking at the Artist Proof Studio, he has also worked as a collaborative printer, curator and studio technician.
This exhibition would form the first of a series. It runs until 30 August at the Michaelis Art Library, City of Johannesburg. For more information, contact Chepape at 072 673 4447.
