Michael Tshepo Selekane

Michael Selekane (b. 1986, Fine and Applied Arts, TUT, Pta)

Michael Tshepo Selekane was born in Uitvlught, a rural village based in Mpumalanga. In the early 90’s he moved with his mother to Mabopane, a township north of Pretoria in the Northwest Province.

Michael first encountered art during his Primary School years where he took part in an art competition. After he matriculated he met Thabo Pitso who introduced him to the Tshwaraganang Arts School in Mabopane. During his time there, Selekane was introduced to the Ifa Lethu Foundation, where he was mentored by artists who participated and contributed to the Resistance Art Movement; artists such as Michael Mmutle, Ike Nkoana, David Phoshoko, Sello Malebye and Lefifi Tladi. In 2008 Michael enrolled at the Tshwane University of Technology (Faculty of Arts) (TUT) for Fine and Applied Arts Tech.

Michael has exhibited his work both nationally and internationally. He has been represented at the FNB Joburg Art Fair, RMB Latitudes Art Fair, Turbine Art Fair and The National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. Michael has taken part in many group and two man showcases, as well as, having had two successful solo exhibitions since 2014. In 2014 Michael addressed the CEO’s and Chairmans of a 100 FTSE companies. The presentation took place at the Lord Mayor’s house in London. During the address one of his artworks was auctioned by Bonhams London.

"When you migrate, there are always memories of where you come from, so you are always trying to reflect or remember where you’re coming from so you can know where you’re going. I’m working with migration, but I’m also dealing with everyday issues, social issues, social commentary of what’s going on, and the migration issues that we always ignore. That’s why I want to talk about those issues. I also wanted to portray women in a dignified manner, different from how women have been portrayed before, so I wanted to put some dignity and respect with how I portray them, also highlighting the role that they play in society.” – Michael Selekane, Murmurs of Migration, 2024