Born 1994 in Limpopo, South Africa
Currently lives and works in Pretoria, South Africa
Cow Mash (Kgaogelo Mashilo) was born in Limpopo and raised in Pretoria where she is currently based. She graduated from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in 2017 with a degree in Fine Art, majoring in sculpture.
Cow Mash’s current work is inspired by her self-given name “Cow” and the cultures and symbols of the cow within the Sepedi traditions, as well as globally. Through cow metaphors, she tries to situate herself between tradition and the contemporary world. Cow creates drawings on synthetic leather and sculptural works using synthetic wools, combining various fabrics. She reflects on the transformation and evolution of culture by using synthetic leather rather than actual cowhide. Her doodle-like repetitive lines in her drawings and meditative methods in sculpting are a means of self-contemplation and healing and finding a sense of belonging.
In 2016, Cow created her first life size public figure, representing Francis Baard and forming part of the National Heritage Monument. In 2017, Cow was one of three artists to create a statue of Oliver Tambo, which stands at the O.R Tambo international airport. Cow was winner of the PPC Imaginarium fashion category in 2019 and is currently completing her master’s degree at TUT.
