
Katleho Mosia
2000
Katleho Mosia is an artist of Basotho descent, born amidst the towering peaks of QwaQwa in the Free State, South Africa, a landscape that echoes stories of resilience and heritage. As the first in her family to attend and graduate from university, she has carved a path of possibility and inspiration, becoming a beacon of hope within her community. Her postgraduate studies at the Michaelis School of Fine Art deepened a creative voice that speaks profoundly of belonging,
displacement, and the intricate threads of cultural identity. Rooted deeply in the heritage of the Basotho people, Mosia draws inspiration from the cultural legacy of Lesotho, a nation celebrated for its vibrant traditions and enduring customs. These ancestral traditions form the foundation of her creative exploration. At the same time, the influence of Western culture, marked by its global reach and diverse customs, offers a contrasting lens through which she views her experiences. Her art illuminates the intersections of these two civilizations, capturing the ways they connect, clash, and complement one another in an increasingly hybridised and globalised world. Her family's migration from QwaQwa to Johannesburg distanced her from her cultural roots, yet through her artistic practice, Katleho has reconnected and reimagined those ties. Central to her work is the navigation of "third spaces", sites where her Basotho identity and
Western-influenced upbringing converge. These hybrid spaces have become arenas for forging new understandings of self and identity, shaped by tradition and informed by modernity. Her practice is not only a personal journey of healing and reclamation but also a broader commentary on cultural exchange and the complex interplay between identity and belonging. Mosia attributes her creative gift to God, the ultimate Creator, whose grace and presence infuse her work with purpose and depth. She finds strength, inspiration, and direction in her faith, viewing every piece she creates as a reflection of divine light. Her hope is that her art may touch hearts and souls in ways that glorify God and bring spiritual resonance to those who encounter it