UCLA Arts Newsletter

Join us on Saturday, February 10 to celebrate the opening of Meleko Mokgosi: Bread, Butter, & Power at the Fowler Museum at UCLA. UCLA Department of Art alumnus Meleko Mokgosi M.F.A. ’11 presents 21 large-scale oil paintings that explore the theme of feminism in the context of southern Africa. These works form the latest chapter in Mokgosi's ongoing series Democratic Intuition which focuses on the many ways that democratic concepts influence our lives, loves, and relationships on macro- and micro-levels. Earlier this winter, Mokgosi shared thoughts about his upcoming show, his experience at UCLA, advice for young artists, and the role of the artist in society with UCLA Arts.

What has it been like coming back to UCLA to present your work at the Fowler?

It has been an incredible experience. Just like stepping into a room with some of the most important living artists today and signing up to work with them, I never thought I would be invited to back to UCLA for an exhibition like this. Working with everyone at the Fowler, especially with Erica Jones and Marla Berns, has been excellent. However it is also a bit terrifying because the people at UCLA watched me develop and know my work the most, so there is no way of hiding anything, they know my strengths and weaknesses. So I am really looking forward to an open exchange of ideas and dialogue.

What is most memorable about your time at UCLA?

Working with Professor Emerita Mary Kelly for three years straight was my most memorable experience at UCLA. Her deep commitment to pedagogy and young practitioners’ work is incredible. There are many memories that stand out, but I can pick out two; these would be my first and last day at UCLA. On my first day, I remember coming to the main UCLA campus to sign-up for classes. I am not sure if they still do this now but back then all the MFA students were invited into one big room, and sitting behind each desk with a pen and paper were the faculty. I never thought I would ever step into a room occupied by Mary Kelly, Barbara Kruger, Andrea Fraser, Catherine Opie, Jim Welling, Roger Herman, and Don Suggs, to mention just a few. And I took classes and had studio meetings with all these amazing professors over a period of three years. The second memory that stands out was on my last day at UCLA, which was marked by a special dinner that Professor Kelly hosts at her house for all her students. The dinner, which was carefully crafted by Mary, was an incredible event with important conversations, exquisite food, and towards the end, a thrilling dance party.