George Pemba
1912–2001 · South African · 30 artworks
Social RealismExpressionismImpressionismWatercolor techniqueVibrant color palettesNarrative compositionsDepiction of everyday lifeSocial commentary
artist bio
George Pemba was a South African artist known for his vibrant paintings that captured everyday life in the townships during the apartheid era. He is celebrated for his contribution to social realism, documenting the struggles and resilience of black South Africans.
what you'll learn
Studying Pemba's work allows students to explore social realism and learn how art can be used to document and comment on social and political issues. Students can also analyze his use of color and composition to convey emotion and narrative.
related: Gerard Sekoto, Henri Matisse
30 artworks
Xhosa woman
1964
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Police raid
1981
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Old Xhosa woman
1945
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Trek
1975
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The audience
1960
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Xhosa woman smoking a pipe
1945
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The activist
1992
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Portrait of a young man
1950
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A neighbour’s gift
1980
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No Work
1948
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Homeless
1973
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Clinic
1974
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Mother with baby
1989
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Portrait of a man in traditional dress
1950
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Basoth woman with headdress
1944
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Xhosa mother and child
1983
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Young boy with a bowl and spoon
1947
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Paying tribute to the chief
1959
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Young boy
1957
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Xhosa maiden
1957
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Girl with firewood
1957
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The prodigal son
1952
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Lesotho landscape
1944
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Young woman
1947
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At the clinic
1979
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New Brighton
1960
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Gelvandale
1957
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Mother and child
1951
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Overload
1989
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I had so many
1991
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