Meet Edward Selematsela

Born 1966, Ga-Modjadji, Limpopo. Edward Selematsela is a celebrated South African visual artist and educator. His evocative paintings capture the quiet dignity, simplicity, and rhythm of rural life.

BACKGROUND & EDUCATION
Roots: Born and raised in the village of Ga-Modjadji in Limpopo. His work is deeply rooted in childhood memories and the resilient spirit of rural communities.

Training: Studied Art and Business at Eastside College, now Johannesburg College, in Troyeville. He later completed advanced Fine Arts studies at the University of South Africa, UNISA.

Mentorship: In the 1990s he met Johannesburg artist Dulcie Robinson. She became his mentor, collaborator, and guide into the professional world of art.

ARTISTIC STYLE & THEMES
What he paints: Rural South African landscapes, township scenes, and nostalgic moments of village life. Think donkey carts, farming, cattle at the dam, and portraits of people working the land.

How he paints: Oil, acrylic, ink, and intaglio relief printmaking.

Recognition: His work is collected internationally across the US, Europe, the Middle East and beyond.
Notable honors include the Merit of Excellence Award from the French Culture Centre in Pessac, Bordeaux, 1997, and top prizes at the „Black Like Us“ art competition in 2007 and 2011.

COMMUNITY WORK & THE LITTLE ARTISTS SCHOOL
Co-Founder: In 1995, with his mentor Dulcie Robinson, Edward co-founded the Little Artists School in downtown Johannesburg.

Impact: What began in an orphanage as after-school art for disadvantaged youth has grown into a legacy project. With support from partners like Deutsche Bank, the school has mentored thousands of children and helped launch several prominent South African artists.
Edward still volunteers his time teaching the next generation.