Rick Baloyi (b. 2000, BA Fine Arts, University of Johannesburg)
Rick Baloyi was born in 2000 in Soweto and raised in Tshivhuyuni village, Limpopo, where he completed his primary and secondary education in 2017. From an early age, Rick demonstrated a natural inclination towards art, developing his practice independently until 2019, when he was selected to participate in the RMB Talent Unlocked Programme — his first formal introduction to professional art training. This pivotal experience marked the beginning of his journey as a professional artist and inspired him to pursue further studies in visual art.
In 2020, Rick was admitted to the University of Johannesburg, where he obtained his BA in Visual Art Degree in 2024. During this period, he was awarded first place in the Arts & Culture Trust | Nedbank | DALRO | Market Theatre Scholarship Competition, which supported his studies and enabled him to expand his practice. Throughout his academic years, Rick refined his technical and conceptual understanding of visual art and participated in numerous exhibitions, projects, and fairs that shaped his outlook and professional growth.
Rick’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in the histories of his people, his family, and the broader South African cultural landscape. Working primarily from old and new family photographs, he transforms moments of ordinary life into enduring visual narratives. His work serves as a personal and collective archive — a “cyclopaedia” of stories that celebrate the lives and traditions of those who came before him. Through this approach, he explores the intersection between memory, identity, and belonging, ensuring that the stories of everyday people are remembered and honoured.
Rick's work also seeks to highlight the richness and diversity of South Africa’s cultural heritage, reflecting on how language, dress, ritual, and artistic expression define communities.
Rick has exhibited widely since 2019, including with Lizamore & Associates Gallery, RK Contemporary, Artist Proof Studio, Johann van Heerden’s Art Gallery, and Mashumi Art Projects. His group exhibitions include, Of Thee I Sing (Lizamore & Associates Gallery), No Holds Bared (RK Contemporary), The Illusions of Reality (Johann van Heerden’s Art Gallery), What Is Home to You? (Lizamore & Associates Gallery), Young Spirits (Turbine Art Fair, 2022), and Bubble (Lizamore & Associates Gallery | Strauss & Co, Toyota Woordfees Festival). He has also presented work at RMB Turbine Art Fair (2019–2022) and RMB Latitudes Art Fair, as part of the Talent Unlocked Alumni.
"South Africa is one of the most culturally varied populations in the world. There are eleven official languages and a number of other languages that are recognized in the country, and each of these groups have their own vibrant culture and history. Most South Africans still call rural areas home, and it is there that many of the country's ancient customs have been preserved. Traditional custom, however have been dwindling as urbanization and the introduction of modern technologies have spread throughout the country. The original languages are being supplanted by English and other foreign tongues." - Rick Baloyi
