Levy Pooe: A Rising South African Artist to Watch

 

Levy Pooe, born in 1994 in Rustenburg, South Africa, is rapidly emerging as a significant voice in the contemporary art scene. His work is a vivid exploration of the black urban experience, portrayed through a bold use of color and dynamic compositions. With themes grounded in daily life and the socio-economic challenges faced by black communities, Pooe is positioning himself as an artist whose work reflects reality and challenges the viewer to rethink it.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Growing up during South Africa’s transformative transition from apartheid to democracy, Pooe was exposed to the profound social and political changes taking place around him. These experiences strongly influenced his artistic perspective, as he sought to capture the shifting realities of black urban life in post-liberation South Africa. His fascination with Johannesburg’s bustling streets, its people, and their stories became a central theme in his work.

Levy Pooe's journey into art started at a young age when he embraced multiple mediums, including painting, charcoal, collage, and photography. Each medium allows him to capture various facets of urban life—offering a vivid visual experience and a deeper narrative into the complexities of existence in South Africa’s cities. This multi-disciplinary approach reflects his artistic depth and commitment to exploring the world through different lenses. 

Themes and Artistic Style

What makes Levy Pooe stand out is his ability to weave powerful narratives about everyday life into his artwork. His pieces often depict black figures in moments of contemplation, ordinary rituals, or minor, seemingly insignificant acts. However, these scenes are filled with socio-economic commentary beneath the surface, urging viewers to reflect on the world around them.

One of his most iconic works, Month End, is a perfect example. In this painting, a group of men is captured in a moment of joy at the end of the month—a time when financial relief allows for celebration. Yet, beneath the joyful expressions lies a subtle critique of consumerism and the fleeting nature of economic stability. These layered narratives make his work so compelling, revealing how Pooe can create art that engages on both a visual and intellectual level.

Notable Exhibitions and Recognition

Pooe’s unique vision hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2020, he received the prestigious Cassirer Welz Award, one of South Africa’s top honors for emerging artists. This award provided him with a 10-week residency at the Bag Factory in Johannesburg and culminated in a solo exhibition titled Mphe Mphe ya Lapisa (2021). The title, which translates from seTswana as” “he constantly asks, is tiring. It is better to have your own," highlights the societal fatigue caused by economic struggles, portraying the tension between survival and self-reliance in post-apartheid South Africa.

In this exhibition, Pooe examined the socio-economic disparities in urban life and the impact of systemic inequality on everyday people. He captured scenes of Johannesburg’s street life with an eye for the mundane yet significant. The exhibition’s success solidified Pooe as a rising star in South African art, one whose work is both socially relevant and aesthetically captivating.

Why Levy Pooe is an Artist to Watch

Levy Pooe’s ability to tell complex stories through accessible, relatable imagery is a key reason why he is an artist to watch. His work is not just about portraying black urban life but inviting viewers to think critically about the structures that shape these lives. Whether depicting street musicians playing for survival or men enjoying a fleeting moment of financial freedom, Pooe’s art speaks to deeper societal issues such as inequality, status, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Pooe is also unafraid to confront the harsh realities of city life, especially the socio-economic challenges many in Johannesburg face. His keen observation of these dynamics and his striking use of color and form make his work visually compelling while ensuring it carries emotional weight. He taps into the overlooked aspects of urban existence, from the invisible workers who keep the city functioning to the fleeting joys of nightlife and the pervasive challenges of financial insecurity.

In addition, his work is deeply rooted in the South African experience yet resonates with universal themes of survival, struggle, and hope. This ability to connect local narratives with broader, global concerns sets Pooe apart as an artist with the potential to reach audiences far beyond his home country.

Recent Developments

In May 2023, Pooe participated in the “Factory: Reflections—Group Show” at the Bag Factory Studios in Johannesburg. This exhibition featured a range of works, including photography, video, painting, and mixed media. It highlighted the dynamic nature of contemporary South African art, and Pooe’s participation further cemented his place within this ever-evolving landscape.

The Bottom Line 

Levy Pooe is an artist who has successfully merged the personal with the political, creating visually striking and socially resonant works. His attention to detail, masterful use of color, and ability to convey complex narratives through his art make him one to watch in the coming years. With each new exhibition, he continues to push the boundaries of his practice, offering a fresh perspective on the realities of life in urban South Africa. As his star continues to rise, Levy Pooe stands poised to make a lasting impact on both the South African and international art scenes.