Steve Biko Remembered in South African Art

Steve Biko art from 5 South Africans to remember the legacy of the Black Consciousness Movement leader.

Steve Biko Remembered in South African Art


"...in time we shall be in a position to bestow upon South Africa the greatest gift possible – a more human face.”

On September 12th, 1977 (36 years ago today) anti-apartheid agitator, writer and co-founder of the Black Consciousness Movement Stephen Bantu Biko died while in police custody. Today's outpouring of tributes across the world is further proof that Biko's legacy is very much alive. We looked at five instances of how the Black Consciousness Movement leader has been remembered by South African artists.

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Mural of Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko, Cisse Gool, Imam Haron (2010)

Artist: Faith47

Location: District Six, Cape Town

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Tribute to Steve Biko (1992)

Artist: Willie Bester

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Biko's Quest, dance production

Director: Mandla Mbothwe

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The Biko Statue

Artist: Naomi Jacobson

Location: City Hall, Oxford Street, East London

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It left him cold - the death of Steve Biko (1990)

Artist: Sam Nhlengethwa

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​Photo illustration by Kaushik Kalidindi, Okayplayer.
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