Bekezela Mabena

Bekezela Mabena is a visual artist whose work explores the many layers of human migration and the resilience of the human spirit. Born in Zimbabwe and raised in South Africa, Mabena's artistic journey is inspired by his experiences of watching people constantly moving across borders.

Inspired by the vibrant bus terminals that serve as gateways to neighbouring countries, Mabena’s art captures the lives of individuals who have left their homes in search of better opportunities. His work explores the struggles and successes of migrants.

Mabena’s art captures feelings of urgency and vulnerability, showing the struggles of people living on the edges of society. Through his art, he invites viewers to think about migration, human resilience, and how we're all connected.

His current series, “Patterns of Migration,” looks at transformation, resilience, and movement through the symbolism of water. Inspired by the Limpopo River, which separates South Africa and Zimbabwe, Mabena uses water to create patterns and textures that reflect how migrants adapt as they cross borders.

Water symbolizes how migration dissolves boundaries and brings change. Mabena uses his art to show the hidden paths and stories of migrants, connecting human experiences with nature. By focusing on the flow of migration, he highlights the Limpopo River as a witness to human strength and adaptability.