Old Xhosa woman 1945

George Pemba made this watercolour of an Old Xhosa woman in 1945. Look at the way he's layering the colours, letting the yellow ochre wash of the background filter through, creating depth without the need for hard lines. It's like he's building up a memory, a feeling more than a precise portrait. The texture is really interesting; the paper shines through in places, especially in the shawl, giving it a lightness that contrasts with the darker, more solid tones of her hat and sweater. It feels like Pemba is interested in the play of light and shadow. Notice the way he suggests the folds and creases of her skin with just a few deft strokes. Each mark feels considered, contributing to the overall sense of dignity and resilience. There is a profound sense of humanity. Pemba's work often focused on portraying the daily lives and experiences of Black South Africans during apartheid. This painting resonates with artists like Alice Neel, who also captured the essence of her sitters with honesty and empathy. It’s about finding beauty and strength in the everyday, in the faces of those often overlooked.