Talented artist Nelson Makamo debuts solo exhibition in the USA

Celebrated artist Nelson Makamo started the conversation about having a show in Los Angeles (USA) four years ago. 

Now, the hard work has finally paid off as the artist showcases his first solo exhibition in the States. 

BLUE is all about hope, a fitting theme to the effort he has put into his dreams time and again.  

“When you think about the future, you think HOPE,” he said

The exhibition has been put together independently, and brought together an all female group of dynamic and progressive Black professionals who helped curate this landmark show. Due to the diversity in the contemporary art landscape in inner city Los Angeles, Makamo and his team ultimately selected this location earlier this year to showcase his first US solo exhibition.

“My own independent international show here in L.A, it actually feels great. When the team and I initially started the conversation about this show back in 2017, we didn’t realise the hard work and commitment that would go into it. And what a journey it has been! Having just successfully opened this past weekend, made it all worth it for us,” said the talented contemporary artist.  

As one of the world’s most sought-after visual artists, the 39-year-old has managed to solidify his iconic artistic signature, steadily placing him on a global stage.

“With the latest piece of work BLUE, we don’t only want to share our story, but invite people to the exhibition to be a part of the conversation. As much as I live on the African continent, I don’t want my work to only have a frame of where I live in South Africa. I want my work to resonate with people from all walks of life, from different races and backgrounds, the global community at large. It’s about connecting artists on a global platform through this exhibition.”

Makamo’s artwork has resonated with a global audience over the past decade, with his work featured in various prestigious public and private exhibitions and collections in countries across Africa, Europe and more recently, New York City.

BLUE runs until 20 November 2021 at the Arts District, DTLA; 1242 Palmetto Street; Los Angeles, California.