Neo Matloga: mokete

EVENT DESCRIPTION

MOU PROJECTS is pleased to present “mokete,” Neo Matloga’s first solo exhibition with the gallery as well as in Hong Kong. Translated as “party” from Sepedi, the show’s title alludes to a celebrative and communal atmosphere, inviting viewers into the convivial scenes and festivities captured in the artist’s works. Featuring his most recent collage paintings, the exhibition delves into the deeper emotions, struggles, and complexities found beneath the surface of celebrations in his practice. Mixing wit and introspection, Matloga invites viewers to unearth the hidden narratives within his works, prompting them to reflect on the broader implications of socio-politics, shared experiences, and collective joy.

Mirroring a series of events unfolding at a party, the works featured in the show capture moments of gatherings. From spontaneous phone calls (Evah, 2023–24) to exuberant dancing (lalavuka, 2023–24) and gentle kisses (nsune sune, 2023–24), each work offers a glimpse into a different facet of celebration. In the Bagwera series (2023), the dual portraits allude to the moment when friends come together to a party. Initially exhibited at the Larnaca Biennale in 2023, the series presents different forms of connections and encounters, with different characters coming alive in pairs on canvases. Matloga’s work defies traditional portraiture, resembling movie snapshots rather than static images. By meticulously piecing together fragments of features into recognizable yet contorted faces, the works invite viewers into a captivating narrative experience, as if choreographing and staging each element with careful precision.

In the exhibition, lefastere (2023–24) stands as a unique piece—the only still life among the group of portraitures. Featuring a peculiar assemblage of items—a porcelain dog, a porcelain chicken, a beer, and four cups—the work presents a setting by the window. Here, the geometrical structure of the frame becomes the anchor for the composition as the artist explores his fascination with steel windows, symbolism, and dramatic scenes.

In Matloga’s practice, collage plays a vital role. Incorporating diverse materials collected over the years—from photocopies of magazines and newspapers to photo albums and album covers—each work presents a unique tapestry of personalities and brings out discussions on the psychological impact of apparent intimacy. Through deliberate mixing and juxtapositions of faces, the artist weaves together complex political narratives that reflect on the intricacies of human experiences and social dynamics. Using ink as another chosen medium, Matloga draws inspiration from the fluidity and unpredictability of this material. The inherent challenges of working with ink during the artistic process serve as a constant source of inspiration for him, encouraging him to embrace uncertainties and unique results. As for the use of charcoal, this particular material exudes a rawness that imparts texture and depth to the surface of his works. It is a medium he is particularly acquainted with, and nostalgia permeates his use of it. In addition, his deliberate use of monochromatic undertones and carefully chosen colors add another visual note to his work, accentuating the emotional resonance and storytelling within each piece.

Appearing amiable, joyful, and celebrative at its surface, “mokete” unfolds as an endless party. Yet the artistic choices in Matloga’s work also harmoniously blend celebration with critical commentary. As the playfulness in his work disarms the viewers and invites them closer to inspect the surfaces within the works, one realizes that the political dimension always underlies parties and the notion of happiness.

ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER

Neo Matloga (b. 1993, Mamaila, South Africa) creates intricate and layered collages and paintings that explore the complexity of everyday life, serving as outlets for his curiosity about image-making and fascination with spectacle. Inventing micro-narratives laden with tension, Matloga's creative process entails a synthesis of imagination and other references such as childhood memories, dreams, theater, artworks, newspaper articles, stories, and conversations. His painted scenes unfold in bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, stoeps, and studies, where figures engage in ambiguous confrontations and embraces, interspersed with solitary moments. Through contradictory arrangements of posture and expression, Matloga offers a kaleidoscope of perspectives that challenge common understandings of social relations, inviting deeper reflection on interior experiences.

Matloga obtained his Diploma in Visual Art from the University of Johannesburg in 2015. With a focus on painting, he completed his post-academic residency at De Ateliers in Amsterdam in 2018. He has held institutional solo shows at H'ART Museum, Stroom Den Haag, Fries Museum, S.M.A.K., and MARTa Herford. He is the winner of the Koninklijke Prijs voor Vrije Schilderkunst (Royal Award for Modern Painting) in 2018 and the ABN AMRO Art Award in 2021.

The artist currently lives and works between Johannesburg, Mamaila, South Africa, and Amsterdam, Netherlands.