Xhosa woman 1964

George Pemba made this painting, Xhosa woman, in 1964, using oil on board. The textures are built up with short brushstrokes of earthy browns, yellows, and blues. You can sense Pemba building up the image, layer by layer, allowing the process to be visible. Look at the sitter’s yellow top, how it glows against the greenish blue of her pinafore, and then note the patterns of ochre and red and white on her lap. The painting is full of such contrasts. And look at the marks around the eyes - they are quite boldly applied in white, which really makes the eyes pop and draws your attention to the sitter’s intense gaze. Pemba was an artist with a powerful social conscience who was deeply committed to documenting everyday life in South Africa, and his paintings are filled with empathy for his subjects. He reminds me a bit of Alice Neel in that way. He isn't trying to be too clever or technically perfect but instead aims for sincerity and emotional expression.