South African artist Fikile Magadledla is born

Date: 13 Dec 1952
Updated: 30 Sep 2019

Fikile Magadlela was born on 13 December 1952 in Newclare, Johannesburg. He was a self- taught artist, who learned and benefited greatly from his peers. One of his mentors was Harold Jeppe, who introduced him to art circles in Johannesburg. Most of his works are a combination of media and can be classified as surrealistic in nature. Magadlela was a member of and adhered to the Black Consciousness movement led by Steve Biko. He became very well acquainted with the leader, who encouraged him and other black people to fully express themselves. During the eighties, Magadlela was hardy active in the arts due to political unrest and exploitation of black artists by galleries. It was only in 1992 that he was able to hold an exhibition. Magadlela died in 2003.

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How we know this

01Kuper, J., (2011), Repatriated 'struggle' work goes on show, from Mail & Guardian, 04 November, [online], Available at www.mg.co.za [Accessed: 16 November 2012]
02Ifa lethu, Fikile Magadlela, from Ifa lethu, [online], Available at www.ifalethu.org.za [Accessed: 16 November 2012]

Last updated · 30 Sep 2019

Cite this entry

South African History Online. (2011, March 16). South African artist Fikile Magadledla is born. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011787

South African History Online (2011) 'South African artist Fikile Magadledla is born', South African History Online, 16 March. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011787 (Accessed: 28 August 2026).

South African History Online, South African artist Fikile Magadledla is born [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011787, (accessed 28 August 2026).

"South African artist Fikile Magadledla is born." South African History Online, 16 Mar. 2011, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011787. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

South African History Online. "South African artist Fikile Magadledla is born." South African History Online. March 16, 2011. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011787.