Frans Thoka is an artist whose work looks into the connections between pain and hope found in the land. His art not only holds onto suffering but instead, it moves through it seeking reconciliation. As art critic Ashram Jamal says, Frans Thoka helps us remember that change is complicated and that Black life is full of inspiration and transformation.
Frans has his own way of expressing this message through his art. He works quietly and softly, using shades of grey and layers of black oil paint. His collages, made from materials that are stitched and glued together, create a flat visual impact. While his blanket-like works may seem simple, his drawings on Fabriano and handmade paper present emotional connections clearly.
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Growing up in Northern Limpopo, Thoka was raised in the township of Marapong and spent time with his grandmother in the rural village of Ga-Maja. This background gives him an understanding of life in a crowded and struggling community as well as the peace found in open spaces.
He fondly remembers the thrill of “crossing fences and traveling through the bush,” as well as his love for local plants like cacti, aloe, and acacia. These memories of ancient burials and hidden rituals from his childhood greatly influence his artwork.
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His exhibition, titled A ILE KAE (A WAY TO RECONCILE – CHAPTER 1), is running from November 1 to November 27. This show is a reflection on his experiences and the themes of pain and hope that resonate in his art.
