Cinga Samson

Blank Project (Cape Town) / NOVA / Booth N3

By/Por Marine Vazzoler

The paintings of self-taught artist Cinga Samson are rooted in a political and historical context and address different themes such as masculinity, blackness and spirituality in post-colonial South Africa. The gallery is exhibiting several of the artist’s portraits (often self-portraits) in which young men with blank stares pose in front of generic landscapes. In these half or full-length frontal portraits, the traditional aspect of Cinga Samson’s brushwork and technique creates a decidedly anachronistic feel that is juxtaposed with the very contemporary feel of his subjects. Adding depth to the paintings, the dark palette contrasts with the superficiality the young men’s appearance and attitudes seem to convey and reveals the tension that exists between the artist’s inner and outer worlds.

1986: Born in Cape Town, South Africa

2017: Wins the Tollman Award

2019: Takes part in the group show “Mapping Black Identities“ at Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Lives and works in Cape Town, South Africa