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, 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.
"In a crowded community, there is constant chatter and interactions creating a regenerating energy; a cycle of daily routines and rhythms which set the facade for a dysfunctional society. When all appears welcoming and healthy, Michael takes us to a space where the ‘other’ exists. Drawing from his own experiences as a migrant within the South African borders, Michael captures the deep vulnerability of displaced people. Selekane interviews fellow migrants in order to examine the isolated individual within a vibrant community, and to gain an understanding of the difficulties they face in finding work, shelter, and communal support and acceptance. Our social structure is built on the notion of safety in numbers and to fear that which exists outside of our realm of normal. Through his use of minimal colour and the depiction of vast empty expanses, Michael creates the stark environment where ‘wolves’ take advantage of the solitary ‘sheep.’“ - Dawn Sarah McGee
