About Tose, Martin Qgibinsizi

Martin Quibinsizi Tose: 1958 – 2004 Born in Germiston, Gauteng, Province, South Africa Training : Open School, Johannesburg, Nat Mokgosi, 1975 – 1977 Kathlehong Art Center, Johannesburg, Thato Mamabolo 1977-1980 Tose has a fresh and inspiring approach to life in and around the black townships. His main focus in his paintings revolves around the everyday life of the man on the street. Tose was a deeply spiritual individual that had an intense passion for the emotions of his fellow human beings. Tose’s life has been plagued by depression. This condition was brought about by a chemical imbalance in his brain that often had him retreating into his home and inner sanctuary. Tose was deeply disturbed by the fact that his home town of Kathlehong and the greater Johannesburg still remained bound by poverty and unemployment. The dark shroud of depression could often be seen in his work and in his life. We find a hint of traditional and tribal origins and roots in most of his pieces. His paintings have an almost religious feel to them. It often reminds one of scenes from the bible. Tose was a very deep thinking man. He pondered on the questions exploring our existence. A theme commonly explored by all of mankind throughout the centuaries. He explores several of these avenues in his paintings with great success.