My work draws deeply from the rich cultural heritage of my roots, the vibrant traditions of rural South Africa, and the evolving narratives of contemporary African identity. As an artist, I seek to bridge the gap between the old and the new, combining traditional woodcarving techniques passed down through generations with bold, modern expressions of storytelling. Each of my sculptures reflects a fusion of history and modernity, with themes that address the complexities of African life, both past and present. I carve to celebrate the resilience, beauty, and struggles of my people, while also engaging with global issues of identity, migration, and socio-political change. By blending realism with stylized forms, I aim to capture the spirit and energy of the characters and communities I depict, evoking a sense of timelessness and immediacy. Wood, as a medium, has a living presence, and I respect its organic nature. Through my work, I strive to honour its raw beauty while transforming it into figures that speak to the heart of human experience. My art is a conversation—one that invites viewers to reflect on their own histories and the shared humanity that binds us across cultures. I believe that art has the power to heal, to inspire, and to provoke thought. Through my sculptures, I hope to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about Africa's place in the world, and the role of tradition in shaping our future.

Born in 1945 in Pretoria, David Mothabeng Phoshoko has traveled and exhibited extensively. With the forced removals in 1959, he and his family resettled in the town of De Wildt, and would eventually come to reside in Ga-Rankua in 1962. In the 1970s, Phoshoko and other artists began trading works with diplomats staying in the country. This patronage was fundamental to establishing Phoshoko and his fellow artists. His first solo exhibition was held in 1976, at the Nedbank Centre in Pretoria, and in 1978 he exhibited in West Germany. In the 1980's he exhibited abroad in Germany as well as at the 1995 Biennale. He has worked closely with Nedbank and he has his collections housed at the offices of the H.S.R.C. and INISA. He has done commissions for Medunsa Hospital and the Bloemfontein branch of the NG-kerk. Phoshoko's vibrant work with strong traditional and communal themes are a pleasure to view. When his own home township came under the homeland government of Bophuthatswana, he began spearheading a drive to start and sustain art and craft centers in the area. He and other black artists were committed to exposing the works of black struggles artists who were their contemporaries. He has very strong views regarding ethnic culture and that it will always be his primary influence.

 “Looking back, art was an obvious choice, as I have always made things. As a child I made clay pots from mud in the yard, cars from cardboard, and dragons from paper-maché. I enjoyed attending Elaine Savages’ art lessons during my school holidays. However, at De La Salle where I finished my schooling there weren’t any art classes. This – and the fact that I am attention deficient – may explain my appalling terrorist-like behaviour, general disinterest and failure at that school. As an adult my interest in art continued. I carved leather goods in the Fire Department, wooden bookshelves in Phalaborwa and painted fantasy landscapes whilst a truck driver. In 1995 I became a full time artist, and that is where I am today.”