Bana ba thabile (The children are happy)

Medium: Oil on Canvas

Size: 140 x 140 cm

Year: 2024

Curatorial Note

In Bana ba thabile (The children are happy), artist Donald Masoga captures a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. This large-scale 2024 oil on canvas radiates with the vibrant energy of its subjects—two children sharing a smile that is both intimate and infectious. Masoga’s signature style is on full display, with bold, expressive brushstrokes and a rich color palette that emphasizes the lively spirit of youth.

The intricate patterns on the children's faces and the vivid colors in their hair and clothing are characteristic of Masoga's work, which often explores themes of identity and the human condition. This piece is a powerful celebration of childhood, friendship, and the universal language of happiness. It invites the viewer to pause and share in a simple, yet profound, moment of connection.