Tshepiso Moropa is a self-taught artist based in Johannesburg who creates stunning collages using personal and archival images. Drawing on her background in psychology and linguistics, Moropa delves into African archives and oral histories to create minimal yet impactful compositions that explore the ever-evolving nature of storytelling.
Moropa often incorporates Setswana lore and dreams, such as dinaane and ditoro, into her work. She finds inspiration in the rich history, cultural values, and human experiences embedded in these folktales, which she views as a source of timeless wisdom, moral lessons, and magical elements.
Using a combination of digital and analog techniques, Moropa crafts surreal scenes with precise lines and negative space, often featuring birds as spiritual guides. One of her pieces, titled “The Joy,” depicts a girl being lifted away from harm by birds disguised as ancestors—a nod to a Setswana story. In another work, “Hiding in Plain Sight,” an older woman floats above a wooden home, inspired by a dream Moropa had of her grandmother appearing in the sky.
Moropa’s art will be showcased in a group exhibition at Museum Rietberg in Zurich this April, followed by a presentation at the Biel/Bienne Festival of Photography in Switzerland. Represented by THK Gallery in Cape Town, Moropa’s unique approach to collage continues to draw attention and accolades in the art world.
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