Stephan Langa

Inceptions of Black Serenity

Stephen Langa (born 1995), hailing from the Limpopo province. Currently based and works in Johannesburg, South Africa. Langa’s artistic journey commenced at a tender age, evolving from sketching beloved cartoon characters to honing his craft into a professional pursuit. His expertise spans across a multitude of mediums, including charcoal drawing, watercolor, oil painting and printmaking.

His formal education in Art & Design at Tshwane North College in Pretoria laid the groundwork for his artistic exploration. Further enriching his skills, he delved into the intricate realm of Printmaking at Artist Proof Studios (APS), a revered institution renowned for its dedication to printmaking excellence.

 

Notably, Langa has participated in the prestigious I.T Web Brainstorm Art Calendar 2020, proudly sponsored by HUAWEI. His artistic contributions have been showcased in a myriad of group exhibitions and esteemed art fairs, including the Johannesburg Art Fair, South African Print Art Fair, TLC Student Lockdown Collection of 2020, Turbine Art Fair (2022, South Africa), 99 Loop Gallery (2022, South Africa) and the Kunstrai Art Fair (2023, Amsterdam), Things Left Unsaid (2023, Affinity Gallery ,Nigeria), A Field of Dreams (2023, BKHZ Gallery, South Africa), and recently How Do You Want To See Yourself ( 2024, Gallery Anna Maara, Italy).

 

At the heart of Langa’s body of work lies a profound exploration of the narratives and experiences of black individuals, both within his community and on a deeply personal level. Drawing inspiration from the evocative Impressionist art period of the 20th century, he delves into the depths of human emotion, seeking to encapsulate and express the essence of his own journey through life. Through meticulous research and introspection, Langa endeavors to translate his emotions into visual form, infusing each artwork with a potent blend of authenticity and raw emotion. His artistic endeavors serve as a poignant testament to the power of creativity as a vessel for storytelling and self-expression, resonating with audiences on a profound and visceral level.

The Welsh wonder, 2024 

Oil based monotype and handwork (soft pastel) 

36.8 x 26.5 cm 

SOLD

The words that dripped from your sip, 2024 

Oil based monotype and handwork (soft pastel) 

36.8 x 26.5 cm 

SOLD

The loser takes it all, 2024 

Oil based monotype and handwork (soft pastel) 

36.8 x 26.5 cm 

SOLD

Feel the breeze forget your sorrow, 2024 

Oil based monotype and handwork (soft pastel) 

36.8 x 26.5 cm 

SOLD

The life chosen for me, 2024 

Oil based monotype and handwork (soft pastel) 

26.5 x 36.8 cm 

SOLD

A mirror that doesn’t reflect my past, 2024 

Oil based monotype and handwork (soft pastel) 

36.8 x 26.5 cm 

SOLD

Family Gathering III, 2024 

Oil based monotype 

53.6 x 62.4 cm 

SOLD

The Family Gathering, 2024 

Oil based monotype 

53.5 x 62.3 cm 

SOLD

Mapantsula, 2024 

Medium: Oil based monotype 

55.3 x 77.1 cm 

SOLD 

A Chapter of Change and Wisdom, 2024 

Oil based monotype 

71.5 x 87.7 cm 

R 25 080 VAT Incl. Framed

Self Portrait, 2024 

2 layer Oil based monotype with handwork (soft pastel) 

64 x 53.4 cm 

SOLD

The inside of a Modern Man, 2024 

Oil based monotype and handwork (soft pastel) 

77.2 x 55.7 cm 

SOLD

Till Further Notice, 2024 

Oil based monotype with handwork (soft pastel) 

77.2 x 56.1 cm 

SOLD

In a place of cool reasons I, 2024 

Oil based monotype and handwork (soft pastel) 

77.4 x 55.7 cm 

SOLD

At the heart of my artistic exploration lies a profound belief in the transformative power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of memories. Through my chosen mediums, I craft evocative depictions of black individuals, weaving narratives rich in love, emotion, and societal reflection.

My work serves as a conduit for exploring the intricate tapestry of African cultural experiences, delving into questions of identity, gender roles, and the interplay between personal and communal histories. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant landscapes of my hometown in Polokwane and the bustling metropolis of the city of Johannesburg, my compositions reflect the nuanced complexities of navigating life in diverse environments.

 

Each scene I create is imbued with a quest for self-discovery, inviting viewers to journey alongside the characters I portray. In my charcoal drawings and oil paintings, I seek to capture the essence of human emotion and the unpredictable twists of fate that shape our existence.

Influenced by the works of revered artists such as George Pemba, Claude Monet, Gerald Sekoto, and Vincent Van Gogh, my linework and brushstrokes serve as visual poetry, inviting viewers into a realm where emotive connections are forged effortlessly.

 

Engaging with my practice is an intimate journey of self-discovery and artistic evolution. It is a continuous exploration of beauty, culture, and the ceaseless pursuit of understanding the world around me. Within my compositions, my characters exude a sense of pride and belonging, embodying resilience and dignity in the face of life’s challenges. Ultimately, my art seeks to spark dialogue, provoke introspection, and celebrate the richness of the human experience. Through each stroke of my brush or pencil, I endeavor to create moments of connection and resonance, inviting viewers to contemplate the stories we tell and the memories we leave behind.

The King of the crucible, 2024 

Oil based monotype and handwork (soft pastel) 

55.8 x 77 cm 

R 15 000 VAT Incl. Unframed 

The Family Gathering II, 2024 

Oil based monotype 

55.8 x 77 cm 

R 15 000 VAT Incl. Unframed 

Prosper and Peace, 2024 

Oil based monotype with embossing 

53.5 x 62.3 cm 

R 13 750 VAT Incl. Framed

In a place of cool reasons II, 2024 

Oil based monotype and handwork (soft pastel) 

77 x 59.2 cm 

R 15 000 VAT Incl. Unframed 

Self Reflection, 2024 

Oil based monotype 

62.3 x 52.6 cm 

SOLD

Mr Crokkett & Jones, 2024

Soft pastel

47.7 x 39.7 cm

R 23 120 VAT Incl. Framed

You carry me and my load of tea, 2024

Soft pastel

63 x 52 cm

R 23 120 VAT Incl. Framed

A mile in love’s shoes, 2024

Soft pastel

46.6 x 43.4 cm

R 25 080 VAT Incl. Framed

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