ARTIST BIO
Farai Engelbrecht (Samurai Farai) is 27 year old, vibrant and independent, contemporary artist from South Africa. Moulded by the culture and dynamics of this complex space, as well as his dual Heritage of Zimbabwean & Afrikaans descent, his perspective bears a refreshing and unique Afrocentric perspective.
He is not just an artist, but a curator, gallery founder and art-dealer too.
His work takes inspiration from the details of people in society, the happenings and nuances between human dynamics as well as the African Diaspora and the conversation of what occurs beneath the surface of all of us as people: emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.
A large facet of his work surrounds mental health, identity and the multiple versions of self that one human can possess. His art uses bright, bold and courageous colour and the use of line to communicate an optimistic hope and intrigue in the future identity of Africa within its contexts and within the contexts of the world. .
Successful projects include; artist in residency for Black Brick Hotel, a recent collaboration with Mercedes Benz, innovation in the NFT realm, commissions for international brands like Heineken as well as international celebrities and multiple large-scale murals painted around the country.
BIOGRAPHY / CV
– Graduated from UCT School of Fine Art, Michaelis, with Honours 2018 (Fine Art & Art History.
– Worked for Park West Gallery as an Art Associate & Art Dealer (2020) Based in Tampa Florida, USA.
– Completed a 3 Month Artist Residency with Black Brick Hotel 2021.
– Co-Founded a Gallery Space called “Not-A-Gallery” in Cape Town in Collaboration with Black Brick Hotel. (2021)
– Participation in the first ever NFT Auction held by the NFT platform “MoMint” in South Africa & successfully selling for a record breaking price.
– Participation in a secondary NFT auction held by the NFT Platform ‘MoMint” and the successful revenue split 50/50 with the NPO “Laddles Of Love” who aim to feed homeless people and children across South Africa
– Collaboration with Mercedes Benz – Farai was asked to paint the new Mercedes Benz C-Class for its launch event in South Africa.
– Farai curated an art auction of his artworks directed at raising funds for a mental health NPO in South Africa called SADAG (South African Group Anxiety & Depression Group) – R35. 0000 par were raised in an online and in person Auction for the NGO.
– Large scale mural for South African musician “Costa Titch” & Global star “Akon”
– Painting commission for Heineken during the Formula E event held in Cape Town 2023 followed by numerous paintings activations commissioned by Heineken in South Africa.
– An independent exhibition of artwork in the RMB X Latitudes Art Fair 2023 as well as 2024.