Historical figure: John Koenakeefe Mohl, artist and teacher

John Koenakeefe Mohl, born on 29 September 1903 in Dinokana near Zeerust, built a career as both a South African artist and a teacher who helped younger painters develop their work.

South African History Online records that Mohl’s artistic ability was noticed while he was at school in Mafikeng. Support from his grandfather and a London Missionary Society minister helped him attend Tiger Kloof Training College, where he obtained a teaching diploma. He later trained at an art academy in Germany.

Teaching in Sophiatown

After returning to South Africa, Mohl opened a school in Sophiatown. His significance was not limited to his own paintings: he helped create space for other Black artists to practise and study at a time when opportunities for formal art training were restricted.

One of the artists he encouraged was Mizraim Maseko. South African History Online says Mohl helped Maseko take painting more seriously and broaden his techniques. The two exhibited together at Johannesburg’s Apollo Gallery in 1963.

Mohl was a founding member of Artists Under The Sun. He died in Soweto in 1985. His birth date makes this a fitting day to remember a painter whose teaching formed part of South Africa’s wider artistic history.