Tribute To My Friend Ayesha Price

It is with a heavy heart that I remember Ayesha Price, who sadly passed away on 8th September 2024, an extraordinary artist and art educator whose work spanned a diverse array of media and whose impact was deeply felt across continents. Ayesha's practice was a testament to the power of art as a means of addressing and mediating social issues. Her focus on perception, representation, and collaborative community-based processes made her work not only innovative but profoundly meaningful.

Chepape Makgato and Ayesha Price in 2016 at Kohl Children's Museum in Chicago, USA 

Our paths first crossed in 2016 when we were honoured to be selected for the Art Across Oceans Residency, a collaboration between the Kohl Children's Museum in Chicago and the Play Africa Children's Museum in Johannesburg. This residency allowed us to facilitate children's art workshops in Soweto and Sophiatown, alongside Tim Abel, a Chicago-based artist. We then continued our journey in North Chicago and at the Kohl Children's Museum. Witnessing Ayesha's incredible ability to connect with children across racial and geographical divides was nothing short of inspiring. Her meticulous attention to detail and her natural rapport with young participants left a lasting impression on me.

Artworks created by Chepape Makgato, Ayesha Price and Tim Abel created in Chepape's Joburg Studio. 

During this time, I proposed a collaborative project to create nine artworks, with each of us contributing a triptych. Ayesha's enthusiastic response was a testament to her creative spirit and willingness to explore new ideas. We began this project at my studio in Newtown, Johannesburg, and completed the remaining pieces in Tim's studio in Chicago. This collaboration not only produced beautiful work but also allowed me to explore the vibrant city of Chicago and the USA for the first time, an experience I cherished deeply, made all the more special by Ayesha’s gracious presence.

Ayesha Price with Tim Abel and Chepape Makgato in Chepape’s studio. 

Ayesha’s generosity extended beyond our collaborative work. She gifted me an abstract piece created during our workshops with South African and American children, a meaningful memento of our shared experiences. The news of her passing has left a significant void, and I am deeply saddened by her loss.

Ayesha Price will be remembered for her good heart, her beautiful smile, and the indelible mark she left on those fortunate enough to know her. May her gentle soul rest in peace.