Exclusive to Proto, Akshar Maganbeharie offers a selection of drawings and paintings from his studio – leftovers and fragments that might not otherwise be offered as art objects. Here, they become evidence of propositions, daydreams and thinking-through-making. 

This series of drawings follow Akshar’s previous drawings of “baddies”, tongue-in-cheek reimaginings of Teletubbies that take their cues from “the 2012-2014 Tumblr trend of galaxy-themed decor, web aesthetics, fashion, and merchandise”. For 2021, Akshar was commissioned by proto~ to create a special edition of drawings to celebrate Pride Month in June. Combining references to pride flags and slang from the queer community, as well as allusions to Instagram-famous must-haves, Akshar’s humorous drawings offer a view of LGBTQI+ aesthetics and identity in 2021. 

25.6 x 18 cm | pen and coloured pencil on paper | unique

After receiving his degree in fine art from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2017, Akshar Maganbeharie moved to Cape Town where he continues to live and work. Formally, Akshar’s approach to art-making is multi-disciplinary, moving between painting, drawing and installation. Thematically, he considers the ways in which pop culture and social media have permeated his identity. “My three biggest inspirations,” Akshar offers by way of explanation, “are Britney Spears, Starbucks, and Kylie Jenner.”