His works of clay are a celebration of the medium and a return to our roots. He joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to talk about his first-ever solo exhibition until the 20th of March at the NWU Gallery in Potchefstroom.

Hand, earth, and healing: Mpho Gorewang’s A Re Bopeng at NWU Gallery

There is a profound, quiet power in the act of shaping the earth with your bare hands. For artist Mpho Gorewang, this practice hasn’t just been a career; it’s been a twenty-year conversation with clay. 

Currently showing at the NWU Gallery in Potchefstroom until March 20th, Gorewang’s first-ever solo exhibition, A Re Bopeng, is more than just a display of ceramics; it is an invitation to remember who we are.

A Re Bopeng on display at the NWU Gallery. Photo supplied

The title A Re Bopeng translates from Tswana to “Let Us Create.” 

“A re” is an inclusive call to action, a way of saying “let’s do this together”, while “Bopeng” comes from the verb bopa, meaning to create or, more specifically, to mold. This title perfectly captures the spirit of the exhibition: a celebration of collective memory and the “tactile intelligence” required to turn raw earth into art.

More than just pottery: A Resistance to the Machine

In an age where almost everything we own is mass-produced by machines, Gorewang’s work stands as a radical act of resistance. While industrial capitalism often turns labor into a repetitive, soul-crushing task, Gorewang treats clay as a wise collaborator.

His process isn’t about “man vs. nature,” but rather a dialogue. As craft theorist Glenn Adamson suggests, materials like clay carry their own meaning. 

In Gorewang’s hands, we see how knowledge lives in the rhythm of the touch and the ritual of the kiln. His pieces reclaim the dignity of labor, proving that making something by hand is a form of healing and renewal.

A Re Bopeng on display at the NWU Gallery. Photo supplied

Mpho Gorewang is no stranger to the global stage, though this solo debut marks a significant milestone in a storied career that spans nearly two decades. His artistic foundation was built on the heritage of Rorke’s Drift, where he received specialized training in the early 2000s, grounding his practice in a deep respect for ceramic tradition. 

Since then, his work has achieved impressive global reach, traveling to Dubai in 2007 and gaining recognition through the Chinese Craft Development Initiative in 2008 and 2009. 

Closer to home, he has become a local legend and a mainstay of the South African arts scene, frequently participating in prestigious showcases such as the Soul of Africa and the Cultural Calabash for several consecutive years.

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If you find yourself in Potchefstroom, this is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the intersection of heritage and modern craftsmanship.

• Dates: 28th January-20th March.

• Location: NWU Gallery, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus.

• Find it: Building F16G, 11 Hoffman Street. (Look for the grey building with the red roof!)

Contact Information:

• Tel: (018) 299 4341

• Email: gallery@nwu.ac.za

• Socials: Follow @NWUGallery on Facebook and Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at the installation.