Mosadi wa Afro (Woman with afro)

Medium: Oil on Canvas

Size: 100 x 155 cm

Year: 2024

Curatorial Note

In Donald Masoga's "Mosadi wa Afro (Woman with Afro)," a powerful sense of pride and serenity emanates from the canvas. The subject is depicted in profile, her head tilted back and her eyes gently closed in a moment of quiet contemplation or bliss. Her glorious afro is rendered as a bold, textured crown, a potent symbol of natural beauty, cultural identity, and Black pride. True to his signature style, Masoga applies a vibrant, expressive palette to the woman’s skin, with thick strokes of red, blue, and purple that convey a dynamic inner life. This painting is not merely a portrait but a celebration—an homage to the strength and grace inherent in embracing one's heritage.

This work creates a striking juxtaposition when viewed alongside Masoga's "Mosadi wa Lefatlha (Bald Woman)." Where the afro is an external declaration of identity, the shorn head of the other figure speaks to an internal, spiritual state of being. Together, the two paintings explore the multifaceted nature of womanhood, demonstrating that power and beauty are not confined to a single expression. Whether crowned with a magnificent afro or possessing the quiet confidence of a shaved head, Masoga’s "Mosadi" is a figure of profound dignity, showcasing the diverse and equally valid ways in which female identity is performed and celebrated.