Visual artist and designer Baba Tjeko lives and works in Paris, Free State, South Africa, and is renowned for his geometric-abstract work that is both traditional and contemporary, featuring a beautiful color palette and brilliantly designed forms, unmistakably with an African touch. Baba is sometimes called the "South African Mondrian," with whom he shares his characteristic drive for innovation and imagination.
His work is inspired by the murals created by the Basotho people, known as "Litema," a slowly disappearing art form primarily practiced by women in Lesotho and Baba's home province of Free State. These paintings can still be seen on many of the small white stone houses, adding a touch of color.
With his work, he aims to continue to highlight the importance of this traditional culture in relation to Black identity, but in a contemporary and recognizable style at the intersection of art and design. No wonder Baba’s work has been used by companies like Nespresso and Mini for special promotional projects.
![“Tentation” [temptation], lithograph by Eugène Grasset](https://media-3.gallerease.com/images/b891f1b8-508a-4829-a559-a56b7f765ca7/350x350/tentation-temptation-lithograph.jpg)
