(b Durban, Natal, 1939). South African painter, active in the UK. He began his training as an artist in 1957 at the Polly Street Art Centre under Cecil Skotnes and Sydney Kumalo. The stylistic choices presented to him involved two broad streams: the realistic depiction of everyday life in ‘township scenes’ or by contrast a more symbolic and abstract form of expression, as explored at that time by artists in contact with modernism. Maqhubela was one of many black urban artists who came to prominence during the surge of artistic activity in the 1960s. He exhibited in commercial galleries in Johannesburg, which became meeting places for artists of any colour, contributing to a dialogue that attempted to bypass the restrictions of apartheid. Maqhubela was particularly interested in the abstract work of the South African painter Douglas Portway (b 1922), which was of significant and lasting influence. By winning the Artists of Fame and Promise award he was able to travel to Ibiza in Spain in 1973, in search of Portway. However, Portway had already left for St Ives in Cornwall, England, and so Maqhubela travelled there and spent a short period working with him. Maqhubela spent many difficult years attempting to establish himself in the UK and dealing with the hardships of life in exile. In 1984 Maqhubela was given a grant to study at Goldsmiths College, University of London, and from 1985 to 1987 at the Slade School of Art where he obtained a diploma in Fine Art, with printmaking his major subject. He continued to exhibit in both South Africa and London and had a studio in Stockwell, London.

• Maqhubela, Louis Khela
  • Africa, §IX, 3(iv): Art training and guidance: Other regions
  • South Africa, §IV, 1: Painting and drawing