Cinga Samson
South African painter
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Cinga Samson (born 1986) is a South African artist known for his figurative oil paintings of large-scale group scenes and self-portraits. Samson's work is most recognizable for his use of a dark palette, depictions of figures with pupil-less eyes, and formal, ceremonious poses.[1][2]
Cinga Samson | |
|---|---|
Samson in 2020 | |
| Born | 28 August 1986 Cape Town, South Africa |
| Known for | Painting |
| Movement | Figurative art, African Art |
Samson has had solo exhibitions in London, New York City and Cape Town, and his work has been included in group shows in Amsterdam, Berlin, Minneapolis, Norway, Vermont, Paris and Mexico.
He currently resides in Cape Town. Samson is represented by White Cube.
Biography
Samson was born in Khayelitsha, Cape Town in 1986 and grew up between eThembeni in the rural Eastern Cape and Cape Town in the Western Cape. Shortly after finishing high school in eThembeni, Samson moved to Khayelitsha, a township outside of Cape Town.
Start in Art
He first joined the art studio Isibane Creative Arts, a shared artist space in Khayelitsha where he worked alongside three older artists: Gerald Tabata, Xolile Mtakatya and Luthando Laphuwano.[3] Samson could not always afford canvases, so he would resort to using scavenged materials. His first sale was a result of this practice. Samson created a 2 x 1.5-meter frame for a piece of Masonite board. He then painted the large canvas. The piece was noticed and purchased by art consultant Jeanetta Blignaut.[4]
Education
Samson attended the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography,[5] in Stellenbosch, Western Cape where he studied a one-year course in commercial photography.
White Cube
Solo exhibitions
| EXHIBITION TITLE | YEAR | VENUE | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ukuphuthelwa | 2026 | White Cube | New York, USA |
| Ukhe Nje Wasondela, Ndakuphosa Kulo Mlambo[9][10] | 2023-24 | Norval Foundation | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Nzulu Yemfihlakalo[11] | 2023 | White Cube | London, UK |
| Iyabanda Intsimbi[12] | 2021 | FLAG Art Foundation | New York, USA |
| Amanda Akafani, Afana Ngeentshebe Zodwa[13] | 2020 | Perrotin Gallery | New York, USA |
| NaluLwandle, NaliKhaya[14] | 2019 | blank projects | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Umthamo (with Nicholas Hlobo)[15] | 2018 | Maitland Institute | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Safari Fantasy[16] | 2017 | blank projects | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Ubugqoboka Magqoboka[17] | 2016 | blank projects | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Thirty Pieces of Silver[18] | 2015 | blank projects | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Rusting Iron | 2011 | AVA Gallery | Cape Town, South Africa |
Current Studio
Samson currently works in his own art studio. The studio was converted from an industrial building in Cape Town, South Africa.[19]