Girl with firewood 1957

George Pemba painted this 'Girl with Firewood' sometime in the 20th century, using oil on canvas. Look at how Pemba uses colour to build form. It’s less about copying what he saw, and more like he’s inventing the person in front of him. The paint is applied in layers. You can almost feel the texture of the canvas beneath, a reminder that this is an object, not just a picture. See how the white collar stands out against the blue of the dress? A single brushstroke defines the edge of the collar, capturing the light. It’s this attention to detail that brings the painting to life. This part feels considered, careful, even tender. Pemba’s paintings often show everyday life in South Africa. You might see echoes of Van Gogh in the directness and emotional honesty of the piece, though Pemba has a voice all his own. His work reminds us that art is not just about what we see, but how we feel and connect with the world around us.