Shelton Hu b.1996 lives in Gauteng graduated with Distinction in Visual Arts from the National School of Arts. In 2019, he completed his BA (Fine Arts) (Hons) and received the Robert Hodgins Prize. In 2021, Hu obtained a Post Graduate Certificate in Senior Phase and Further Education and Teaching also with Distinction. He participated in the China/Africa Conference at the Goethe Institute and continues to work as both an artist and an art educator in Johannesburg.
Hu’s work examines colour for its role in conveying emotion and historical context, as well as its influence on form within abstraction. His practice merges Chinese cultural symbolism with experiences from his South African upbringing and perspectives shaped by African culture. These influences are reflected in his visual language, which combines elements from both traditions.
His broad interest in historical and literary information allows for multiple layers of symbolic references in his use of his artistic language. Figurative forms and varied use of colour and texture are present throughout his paintings. His works reference previous art historical practices. In a recent series, Hu explores themes of identity and myth, combining aspects of personal history with universal archetypes. His use of pigment and gesture constructs visual narratives that incorporate diverse temporal and geographic elements. Each canvas integrates components from different time periods, offering various layers of meaning to viewers.
His work is included in art collections in South Africa, America and France.
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