Issac Hlatshwayo

Isaac Hlatshawyo was born in the mid 1920's and lived in Mofolo Village, Soweto Johannesburg.

He was taught by Gideon Uys at Polly Street Art Center before Cecil Skotness took over in 1950.

Among the painters who were with him at the Center were Durant Sihlali, the late Sydney Khumalo and the late Ephraim Ngatane.

He has held exhibitions at the South African Association of Arts; Carlton Center Gallery, Johannesburg; American Community Center, Pretoria and he participated in the Standard Bank National Drawing Competition in 1990. His works have since been exhibited in many major centers in South Africa and abroad.

Isaac was well known and much respected as a self-taught artist who earned his livelihood and that of his grandchildren from selling his art. Monthly open air exhibitions were his main outlet for selling his work. He was influenced simply by his environment and past experiences.

He was a realistic man, totally committed to providing affordable art to support his immediate and extended family.