Winston Churchill Masakeng Saoli (1950–1995) was a South African artist born in Acornhoek, Mpumalanga Province. Raised in a family that fostered his early interest in art, he found inspiration in his brother's drawings and his grandfather’s wood and stone carvings. After moving to Soweto in 1963, he began attending the Jubilee Art Centre, where he studied under prominent artists like Ephraim Ngatane and Ezrom Legae. His career launched with a sold-out solo exhibition at Johannesburg’s Goodman Gallery in 1968, followed by his international debut at the Contemporary African Art exhibition in London.
Saoli’s art often reflected the cultural and political struggles of South Africa, with religious symbolism and literary styles that resonated with contemporary issues. Despite personal struggles, including a nine-month imprisonment in 1972 for his alleged involvement in secret ANC meetings, Saoli continued to exhibit both locally and internationally. His work evolved over time from Jubilee influences to brightly coloured, multi-layered abstracts, notably in mixed media.
Saoli battled alcoholism but remained prolific in his later years, collaborating with Peter Sibeko at the Soweto Art Gallery. Diagnosed with cancer in 1993, he produced some of his most recognised work until his death on 20 May 1995. His art is part of prestigious collections including the Johannesburg Art Gallery and the University of Fort Hare.
Image and Text Source: South African History Online
