Makamo’s artworks consist primarily of expressive portraits of children, rendered with warmth, sensitivity, and emotional depth. His figures are often depicted with large, luminous eyes and soft, gestural marks that convey innocence and introspection. Working across charcoal, acrylic, and watercolour, his pieces balance simplicity with strong emotional presence. The works invite viewers into moments of quiet reflection, reminding them of shared humanity and the beauty of unguarded emotion.
Nelson Makamo’s work is deeply influenced by the candid innocence of children, particularly those from rural South Africa. He views children as symbols of peace, harmony, and purity — qualities often lost in the complexities of adult life. Makamo works intuitively, allowing the canvas and the emotion of the day to guide the process rather than following rigid plans. His evolving practice reflects freedom, sensitivity, and emotional honesty, with a strong emphasis on human connection.
Makamo has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions both locally and internationally, including South Africa, France, Italy, the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Scotland. His first solo exhibition, Walk With Me, was held at Obert Contemporary Gallery, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.
A notable group exhibition includes Ten Years of Printmaking at David Krut Print Studio (2006), where he exhibited alongside prominent South African artists such as David Koloane, Colbert Mashile, Deborah Bell, and William Kentridge.
Makamo’s work forms part of prestigious private and corporate collections, including those of Giorgio Armani, Annie Lennox, TELKOM, and the Hanzehof Zutphense KunstCollectie.
Nelson Makamo’s work is deeply influenced by the candid innocence of children, particularly those from rural South Africa. He views children as symbols of peace, harmony, and purity — qualities often lost in the complexities of adult life. Makamo works intuitively, allowing the canvas and the emotion of the day to guide the process rather than following rigid plans. His evolving practice reflects freedom, sensitivity, and emotional honesty, with a strong emphasis on human connection.
Makamo has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions both locally and internationally, including South Africa, France, Italy, the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Scotland. His first solo exhibition, Walk With Me, was held at Obert Contemporary Gallery, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.
A notable group exhibition includes Ten Years of Printmaking at David Krut Print Studio (2006), where he exhibited alongside prominent South African artists such as David Koloane, Colbert Mashile, Deborah Bell, and William Kentridge.
Makamo’s work forms part of prestigious private and corporate collections, including those of Giorgio Armani, Annie Lennox, TELKOM, and the Hanzehof Zutphense KunstCollectie.
Showing the single result
“The search for eternal joy lies in the child within us all. Through children, I express peace, innocence, and the simplicity we often forget.”
