Dumile Feni (South African 1942-1991) - Pencil and Ink on Paper

Dumile (Zwelidumile Geelboi Mgxaji Mslaba) Feni

Original, pen and pencil on paper, unframed.

Size 35cm x 26cm

Dumile Feni, born 21 May 1942 left South Africa to go into exile in 1968, after the powerful statements made in his work resulted in harassment by the apartheid security forces. Feni contributed hugely not only to the African 20th century art world but also to the struggle against apartheid. His works show anguished figures, often contorted as if in immense pain. The figures are clearly African because according to the artist: “My subjects are Africans because they are my people, but my message, the idea I am bringing to put across has nothing to do with racialism”. Described while in Johannesburg as the ‘Goya of the townships’, Feni found his subject matter in the life and events he observed around him.