George Pemba (1912-2001)

He spent his childhood studying at a objective school. immediately after schooling, Pemba enrolled at a Training college to become a instructor. in the course of this period of time, he received training in painting from E Smythe who was a teacher of art at the University school of Fort Hare. Pemba completed his instructors training in 1934 and the next year, he found a job as a instructor at a school in King Williams Town. Pembas fathers demise in 1928 left the family into financial constraints and Pemba had to work extra hours doing painting assignments to help his mother and siblings. Pemba was impressed and impressed by the functions of painters like Rembrandt and Velasquez. Being black, it was difficult for Pemba to further enhance his skills in painting. But, to his luck, in 1937, Bantu Welfare Trust assisted Pemba to train under Austin Moore. Winning the Bedford Art Competition of that year was a great boon to his career and helped Pemba to establish himself as a rising star. Pemba resigned in 1938 as a teacher to pursue a career in art. Pemba was concentrating in h2o colour when he met his contemporary artist Gerard Sekoto. getting advice from Sekoto, Pemba switched to oil painting considering that they were more profitable. Also, he modified the topic from portraits to landscape and town life. Lack of economic freedom curtailed his wish to travel to Europe but with a grant from the Bantu Welfare Trust, he was able to Travel through South Africa. throughout these travels, he made several sketches absorbing the sights and colors of the country. In 1948, Pemba conducted his initial solo exhibition in Port Elizabeth. But his paintings did not supply him with much earnings and he opened a small standard dealers store. Pembas work witnessed a alter in the fifties, in the course of the time apartheid was at its peak. He drew sketches which reflected the social injustice happening in his country. Due the sociable situation in South Africa, Pembas career was slowed down in the fifties and the sixties and he struggled with alcoholism. Also, Pemba had the additional responsibility of getting care of his brothers family too. immediately after years of struggle, he Eventually managed to overcome alcoholism and painted continuously. In 1979, Fort Hare University gave him honorary master of Arts degree. for the duration of this period, he painted the life and customs of the Xhosa people. By the 1980s Pemba became the most renowned black artist in South Africa. In 1991 and 1992 he conducted two very productive shows in Johannesburg. 1991 saw the South African National Art Gallery conducting a retrospective exhibition featuring George Pembas work. George Pemba, not like several of his contemporaries, did not have an easy life. first, it was tough for him to rise up as an performer considering that he was dark and then he had to go through the period of time of apartheid without a environmentally friendly earnings. He battled economicly had his own personal demons to struggle. Even still, he managed to work and produce notable art throughout his career

spanning six decades. He died in the year 2001. following his demise, he was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga. george pemba artist, investment art, George Pemba