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Gerard Sekoto, Cyclists in Sophiatown (1942)

Hello, one and all! Welcome to Tuesday Poetics here at dVerse. Melissa here from Mom With a Blog, bringing you today’s prompt for musing, along with snacks and inspiration at the pub! I hope you’re all doing well.

If you’ve been hanging around dVerse over the last few years, then you’ve probably come to know that I am a fan of ekphrastic writing prompts. In my exploration of art, I came across Gerard Sekoto, a prolific South African painter known for his depiction of everyday life, specifically celebrating life of Black South Africans and the urban working classes.

Gerard Sekoto, Boy and the Candle (1943)

Sekoto was born in 1913 in Botshabelo in the Mpumalanga Province in South Africa. He was the the son of missionary Andreas Sekoto. He appreciated music and art from a young age, often drawing with colored pencils and chalk. Gerard graduated from the Diocesan Teachers Training College and taught at a local school before pursuing a career in art.

In 1939, Sekoto, a self-taught artist, held his first solo exhibition; in 1940, he became the first Black artist to have a painting purchased by the Johannesburg Art gallery. The gallery acquired his work entitled Yellow Houses – A Street in Sophiatown.

Gerard Sekoto, The Song of the Pick (1947)

In 1947, Sekoto traveled to Paris, where he worked composing music and painting. He lived the rest of his life there. He is considered a pioneer in South African modernism and social realism; his paintings remain “as vivid historical records of these vibrant urban environments and the people who lived there.” (Source)

Gerard Sekoto, Police Man on a White Horse in the Fields (1959)

For today’s Poetics prompt, I’d like you to choose one of the paintings featured in this post and base your poem on it. Write whatever comes to mind as you explore the colors and images of the painting. Please let us know in your post which painting you’ve chosen, and credit the artist and link back to this post.

Gerard Sekoto, Woman With Downcast Eyes (1955)

If you’re new, here is how to join us:

  • Write a poem in response to the prompt.
  • Enter your name and a link directly to the post containing your poem into Mr. Linky. Remember to check the box to accept use/privacy policy.
  • Read other poets’ work as they enter their links into Mr. Linky. Check back as more will be added.
  • Please link back to dVerse from your post.
  • Have a wonderful time!

Mr. Linky will remain open until 3pm EST on Thursday, April 23, 2026.