He Went to Jerusalem

Mbatha’s graphic work focused almost exclusively on linocut prints as a medium, and on biblical themes. Where his compatriot John Muafangejo used a looser, more dynamic style, Mbatha’s prints are more finely detailed and graphically controlled.

This elliptical, religious-themed print is an early work and one of many that feature Jerusalem as a motif. This linocut is a typically open-ended interpretation of the biblical narrative. Mbatha’s work is characterised by such interpretations, which often function both autobiographically and didactically, rather than strictly following the source story. 

Artwork courtesy of Pretoria Art Museum.