Strauss & co - 1 December 2018, Cape Town

8 Zeitz MOCAA Benefit Art Auction Although well-known for his depictions of violence and the abuse of power, Blessing Ngobeni’s Hero In Me (2018) brings to the surface an undercurrent of optimism: the desire and will to overcome, in spite of one’s circumstances. By pairing the face of a young boy next to that of a demonic figure within the head of a single abstracted form, Hero In Me reflects our capacity for both good and evil. Unlike the other silenced figures – who balance precariously on the edge of their seats, fading back into the blue-grey backdrop – the image of the boy pops out, his cheeks full.We can almost hear his defiant spirit. Blessing Ngobeni (b. 1985, South Africa) is the recipient of the Arts and Culture Trust Impact Award (2013) and the Reinhold Cassirer Art Award (2012). His work has been exhibited across South Africa, the UK and the USA. 2 Blessing Ngobeni SOUTH AFRICAN 1985- Hero in Me 2018 mixed media on canvas 129 by 80cm ZAR80 000 - 120 000 £4 500 - 6 600 $5 700 - 8 600 € 5 000 - 7 500 PROVENANCE Donated by the artist. Courtesy of Everard Read Gallery.