Semi lubisi
Artist Biography
Lubisi’s artworks capture the energy, movement, and humanity of township communities through scenes of children playing, people going about their daily routines, and moments of connection within neighbourhood life. His combination of firm charcoal marks, delicate shading, and bright colour creates a distinctive balance between realism and expressive interpretation. Beneath the vibrant surfaces, his work often considers social issues affecting township communities while maintaining a strong sense of optimism. Through his portraits and figurative scenes, Lubisi celebrates ordinary experiences and encourages viewers to recognise beauty, resilience, hope, and humanity within everyday life.
STYLE
Semi Lubisi is known for his expressive depictions of everyday township life, using art to communicate emotions of hope and happiness despite challenging surroundings. His work is characterised by strong charcoal strokes, soft tonal shading, and vibrant colours that bring energy and warmth to his compositions. Drawing inspiration from ordinary South Africans, particularly children and communities within the townships, Lubisi transforms familiar moments of daily life into intimate and engaging visual narratives. His practice combines observational drawing with a distinctive use of colour, creating works that are both socially conscious and optimistic.
BACKGROUND & STUDIES
- Born in 1980, Semi Lubisi grew up in Ivory Park Township, east of Johannesburg, where his passion for drawing developed during his primary school years.
- He began by drawing cartoon characters in his schoolbooks and continued developing his skills independently, eventually becoming a self-taught artist with no formal art education.
- Lubisi initially studied electrical engineering before choosing to return to his passion for art. In 2019, he left his office career to pursue art full-time. His experiences growing up in the township and his close connection to its communities remain central to his artistic practice.
EXHIBITIONS & STUDIES
- Lubisi has exhibited extensively in South Africa, beginning with the Midrand Art Society in 2000.
- His exhibition history includes Art in the Garden at Alice Art Gallery, the Tembisa Wine Festival, the Travelling Art Gallery initiative, exhibitions with the Industrial Development Corporation, and the International Watercolour Society South Africa’s first International Watermedia Festival.
- In 2017, he received a Top 100 Certification at the Thami Mnyele Fine Art Competition and began working with the MAD Leadership Foundation. His 2020 solo exhibition, We The Children, was presented through Constitution Hill and explored the playful, innocent, and vulnerable experiences of children.
Semi Lubisi is known for his expressive depictions of everyday township life, using art to communicate emotions of hope and happiness despite challenging surroundings. His work is characterised by strong charcoal strokes, soft tonal shading, and vibrant colours that bring energy and warmth to his compositions. Drawing inspiration from ordinary South Africans, particularly children and communities within the townships, Lubisi transforms familiar moments of daily life into intimate and engaging visual narratives. His practice combines observational drawing with a distinctive use of colour, creating works that are both socially conscious and optimistic.
- Born in 1980, Semi Lubisi grew up in Ivory Park Township, east of Johannesburg, where his passion for drawing developed during his primary school years.
- He began by drawing cartoon characters in his schoolbooks and continued developing his skills independently, eventually becoming a self-taught artist with no formal art education.
- Lubisi initially studied electrical engineering before choosing to return to his passion for art. In 2019, he left his office career to pursue art full-time. His experiences growing up in the township and his close connection to its communities remain central to his artistic practice.
- Lubisi has exhibited extensively in South Africa, beginning with the Midrand Art Society in 2000.
- His exhibition history includes Art in the Garden at Alice Art Gallery, the Tembisa Wine Festival, the Travelling Art Gallery initiative, exhibitions with the Industrial Development Corporation, and the International Watercolour Society South Africa’s first International Watermedia Festival.
- In 2017, he received a Top 100 Certification at the Thami Mnyele Fine Art Competition and began working with the MAD Leadership Foundation. His 2020 solo exhibition, We The Children, was presented through Constitution Hill and explored the playful, innocent, and vulnerable experiences of children.
Portfolio
OUT OF STOCK
More art coming soon..
Showing 7–10 of 10 results
FROM THE ARTIST
“Where there is light, there is life, and where there is life, there is inspiration and hope.”
- Born: 1980
- Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Medium: Charcoal, watercolour, acrylic, ink, and mixed media
- Style: Contemporary African figurative and township-inspired art