Ramarutha Makoba was born in Soweto where he continues to live and work. He also spent a lot of time in Polokwane which had a huge influence on his work. He had a passion for art from an early age and at age 13 he attended art classes at a local community centre. He later attended workshops at The Johannesburg Art Gallery and successfully completed courses at Fuba before joining the Artist Proof Studio in 2004. He excelled in his first and second years at the Artist Proof Studio and was selected to further his printmaking career by joining the 3rd year professional programme. He has participated in a number of group and local shows. (http://www.isisgallery.co.za/artists/ramarutha-makoba/)
He gets his inspiration from the different places he works in. Once he develops a concept he works out a series of works to print. To Ramarutha, different printing techniques tell a different story on paper. A case in point is where he uses the screen-print technique, when working in Polokwane, to show a free flowing and uncomplicated environment. He uses an etching technique to emphasise the concept of the tough times he endured while working in Johannesburg. His latest work is inspired by different rural lifestyles. He has used the screen print technique, once again, to explore these lifestyles depicting the emotions and obvious life of rural folk in Polokwane, South Africa.
Ramarutha Makoba’s art is available at the David Krut Workshop and can also be viewed at The Thompson Gallery in Melville until the end of April 2011.
