Motswana Painter Wins American Prize

Meleko Mokgosi
Meleko Mokgosi

Botswana born painter, Meleko Mokgosi is the winner of the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Fine Arts.

The Vilcek Foundation (www.Vilcek.org) says the  prizes were designed to recognise and support emerging immigrant artists who have made outstanding contributions to American society, and each include a cash prize of $50,000.  Mokgosi is described as a  slow, considered painter; behind every painting he produces are hours of research, reading, and conversations with people.

Mokgosi is interested in depictions of Africa and its people; he believes that the widespread misrepresentation of Africa and Africans has done a violence to the people of the continent, and through his art, he attempts a representation that is fair and just, according to the Foundation. Mokgosi is also described as deeply concerned with politics, and seeks to understand and to illuminate the relations of power that shape people, families, villages, regions, and nations. Mokgosi has been named the recipient of the Joan Mitchell Foundation Painters Grant and the Jarl and Pamela Mohn Award, he has shown his work at Art Basel, the Armory, the Hammer Museum, and the Whitney Museum.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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