George Pemba: The Artist Who Painted the Soul of South Africa
The Quarrel
“I do not know if I will ever become a great artist, but I surely am to be as an artist of my own nation." These prophetic words, penned by George Milwa Mnyaluza Pemba in 1944, encapsulate the unwavering determination that defined his life’s work. Born on April 2, 1912, in Hill’s Kraal, Korsten, Port Elizabeth, Pemba’s journey from a young boy with a passion for art to a celebrated South African painter is a testament to resilience, talent, and an unyielding commitment to portraying the lived experiences of his community.
From an early age, Pemba exhibited a profound love for drawing, a passion nurtured by his father, Titus, who supplied him with pencils and crayons. This encouragement led young George to adorn the walls of their family home with murals and create portraits from photographs of his father’s employers. Tragedy struck in 1926 when his father died in a motorcycle accident, a loss that profoundly impacted the young artist. Despite this, Pemba’s dedication to his craft never wavered.
In 1924, at just 12 years old, Pemba’s artistic prowess earned him the prestigious Grey Scholarship to attend Paterson Secondary School. Here, he immersed himself in art literature, drawing inspiration from the works of European masters. By 16, he had won an art competition at a local agricultural show, marking the beginning of his public recognition. His early works, primarily portraits based on photographs, provided him with pocket money and laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
The late 1930s marked a significant period in Pemba’s artistic development. After a near-fatal bout of appendicitis in 1934, during which he sketched doctors and nurses from his hospital bed, he caught the attention of landscape painter Ethel Smythe. Under her mentorship, Pemba was introduced to the techniques of Rembrandt and Velázquez and the vibrant world of Impressionism. This exposure broadened his artistic horizons and deepened his understanding of various styles and techniques.
1937, Pemba’s talent was further recognized when he secured first prize in the May Esther Bedford Competition, surpassing fellow artist Gerard Sekoto. This accolade bolstered his confidence and solidified his resolve to pursue art professionally. However, the socio-political climate of apartheid-era South Africa presented numerous challenges. The mainstream art world often dismissed his work as colloquial, and the apartheid regime viewed his profession as inappropriate for a Black man. Despite these obstacles, Pemba remained steadfast, driven by an intrinsic need to depict the realities of his community.
Financial constraints led Pemba to juggle multiple roles. From 1952 to 1978, he and his wife, Eunice, operated a spaza shop named Gabby’s Store, which supplemented their income and provided a semblance of stability. During this period, Pemba continued to paint, capturing the essence of township life and his people's struggles, joys, and resilience. His works from this era are characterized by unembellished honesty, fine draftsmanship, expressive color, and a strong sense of composition.
Pemba’s dedication extended beyond the canvas. He was a prolific writer, penning plays such as “The Story of Nongqawuse” and “The Xhosa Prophet Ntsikana," staged to appreciate audiences. These literary endeavors showcased his versatility and deep commitment to preserving and promoting African narratives.
Recognition of Pemba’s contributions came gradually. In 1979, the University of Fort Hare awarded him an Honorary Master of Arts degree, acknowledging his impact on South African art. A decade later, in 1990, a major exhibition at the Everard Read Gallery in Johannesburg brought his work to a national audience, earning him the acclaim he had long deserved. Pemba remarked on his journey, “I have been painting for many years, but it is only now that people are beginning to notice."
The Happy Day
Posthumously, Pemba’s legacy continued to flourish. In 2004, the South African government honored him with the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold for his exceptional contribution to the arts and literature. In 2012, commemorating the centenary of his birth, the South African Post Office released a series of stamps featuring his most iconic works, ensuring that his art reached even the most remote corners of the nation.
Pemba’s oeuvre is a vivid chronicle of South African life under apartheid, capturing moments of despair, resilience, and hope. His paintings, rich in narrative and emotion, offer an intimate glimpse into the daily lives of Black South Africans, preserving their stories for future generations. As art historian Elza Miles noted, “Pemba’s work is a mirror reflecting the soul of his people."
In essence, George Milwa Mnyaluza Pemba’s life and art embody the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Through his unwavering commitment to his craft, he documented the socio-political landscape of his time and paved the way for future generations of African artists. His legacy stands as a testament to the power of art in bridging divides, fostering understanding, and celebrating the shared humanity that binds us all.
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