Tshepiso Moropa, a self-taught artist, intricately weaves personal and archival imagery into captivating collages that reflect the dynamic nature of storytelling. Drawing from her expertise in psychology and linguistics, Moropa explores African archives and oral traditions, reinterpreting her discoveries through compositions that are both minimal and profound.
Her artwork is often rooted in dinaane (folktales) and ditoro (dreams), which are integral to Setswana culture. "Each folktale embodies a distinctive fusion of history, values, and human experience, serving as an endless source of inspiration," she states. "My creations are deeply influenced by the enduring wisdom, moral lessons, and enchanting aspects found within Setswana narratives."
Employing a blend of digital and analog techniques, Moropa constructs surreal scenes characterized by sharp lines and generous negative space. Birds frequently appear as symbolic spiritual guides in her pieces, such as "The Joy," which draws upon a narrative where ancestors, disguised as birds, rescue a girl from darkness with their gentle wings.
In contrast, works like "Hiding in Plain Sight" delve into personal realms, depicting an older woman hovering above a wooden house, inspired by a dream in which Moropa's grandmother appeared in the sky alongside her twin sister.
Based in Johannesburg, Moropa is represented by THK Gallery in Cape Town. Her artwork will be showcased in a group exhibition at Museum Rietberg in Zurich this April, followed by a presentation at the Biel/Bienne Festival of Photography in Switzerland. You can follow her artistic journey on social media.