Thomas Kgope
Thomas Kgope is a Tswana and grew up in an area that was predominantly Ndebele in culture. His artistic career began in 1986 when he met Norman Catherine (b.1949), one of South Africa’s most successful artists and a former student-associate of Walter Battiss (1906–1982). Until then Kgope had practised for some years as a freelance photographer, establishing himself as a qualified electrician in 1985. It was in the latter capacity that he met Catherine, who was then building a new studio in Broederstroom. During work on the studio, Kgope injured himself when he fell from an upper floor. He was then invited by Catherine to stay with him while he recuperated. He stayed periodically over the following year, showing a great interest in art. Catherine encouraged him by teaching him some basic painting techniques and giving him materials. Read More…
