Emerging multidisciplinary artist Themba Kao is steadily making his mark in the creative space through work that blends emotion, identity, and cultural storytelling.
Born and raised in Hlotse, Leribe, and now based in Maseru, Kao represents a rising wave of young artists using visual art to express both personal and shared experiences.
He completed a Diploma in Graphics Design at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in 2023, a period he credits with shaping his artistic direction. However, his journey into art began much earlier.
“I began creating art at a very young age, probably around 8 or 9, sketching cars or family members without really knowing what I was doing,” he recalls.
What started as simple curiosity gradually developed into a passion that followed him through his school years, where he practiced by drawing characters from comics and children’s books.
His artistic path became clearer during his time at university, where he was introduced to digital illustration. The experience pushed him to take his craft more seriously, especially after sharing his work online and receiving encouraging feedback.
Kao’s work explores themes of black history, culture, and identity, celebrating both individuality and excellence. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences, books, poetry, and music, he transforms a range of emotions into compelling visual narratives.
“I want people to see themselves in the work,” he said, emphasising his desire to create art that connects with audiences on a personal level.
In 2022, he expanded into painting. Although his early attempts were not perfect, he remained committed to improving his skills, gradually building confidence and refining his artistic voice.
In April 2025, Kao launched The Portrait Art Exhibition, an initiative he hopes to establish as an annual event in Lesotho. The exhibition is designed to encourage interaction, allowing audiences to interpret artworks before hearing the artist’s own perspective.
“It serves as a space where I showcase my work and invite audiences to interpret each piece before hearing my own perspective,” he explains, adding that the goal is to create dialogue through art.
Themba will be hosting The Portrait Art Exhibition from 02 May to 16 May this year at Cafe What? where he will showcase stories, emotions, and meanings captured in every brushstroke. The event is expected to bring together art lovers while offering a deeper look into his creative process.
Each portrait carries a different story, with some drawn from his personal experiences and others inspired by everyday life.
“Many of the stories are things people can personally relate to,” he noted.
Beyond the exhibition, Kao views his work as a source of motivation for both himself and others. He continues to push forward despite challenges within the art industry, while also inspiring emerging creatives.
Looking ahead, he is currently working on a deeply personal exhibition series that reflects his journey and sources of inspiration.
“This body of work will explore what drives me in life and the themes that continue to shape my art,” he said.
He is also preparing for collaborating with an as yet unnamed South African brand at the start of summer.
Summary
- He completed a Diploma in Graphics Design at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in 2023, a period he credits with shaping his artistic direction.
- “I want people to see themselves in the work,” he said, emphasising his desire to create art that connects with audiences on a personal level.
- “It serves as a space where I showcase my work and invite audiences to interpret each piece before hearing my own perspective,” he explains, adding that the goal is to create dialogue through art.
I am an IT officer by day, immersed in the world of technology, troubleshooting systems, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Now, my passion lies in storytelling. I am a writer at heart, fascinated by the power of words to inform, engage, and inspire.
