Farook Mohammed uses art to challenge injustice and inspire change
Farook Mohammed is a contemporary visual artist, cultural advocate and artivist from Gqeberha, South Africa, whose work uses art and education to address social issues and promote unity across Africa and the diaspora.
Mohammed, a semi-finalist for the Pan-African Impact Award at The List Awards 2026 is recognised for his work through Makoti, a painting that has developed into a broader educational project.
In a conversation with The List Awards by Identities Media, Mohammed explained what inspired him to pursue his current work, drawing from Pan-Africanist thought, the struggles of African people and his upbringing in a diverse family.
“My journey is shaped by Pan-Africanist thought, the struggles of our people, and my upbringing in a diverse family. Witnessing resilience alongside injustice inspired me to create Makoti, a painting that evolved into a broader educational project,” he said.
Makoti stands as a visual manifesto against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), ageism and racism, while promoting unity across Africa and the diaspora. The project includes open-source educational materials that educators, parents and guardians can download, translate and adapt to different cultural contexts.
The materials have been shared with schools, universities, GBV activists, Pan-African thought leaders and the general public. Mohammed has also used civic engagement as a Pan-African leader to promote peaceful dialogue, which he says has helped prevent unrest in Nelson Mandela Bay.
His work has received international recognition through the MIPAD Global Top 100 Afrofuturism & Creative Category, Class of 2024, under the UN Decade for People of African Descent.
Reflecting on his achievements, Mohammed highlighted the accessibility of the educational resources developed through Makoti.
“Through Makoti, I’ve developed open-source educational materials that are freely available for educators, parents, and guardians to download, translate, and adapt to cultural contexts,” he said.
For Mohammed, being a semi-finalist at The List Awards means that his work has resonated beyond his immediate community. He said the recognition of Makoti as more than an artwork, but as a movement for education, equality and Pan-African unity, strengthens his resolve to continue challenging injustice through creativity.
Win or lose, Mohammed says the journey will continue, with a focus on expanding the reach of Makoti, fostering unity and ensuring that art continues to drive lasting transformation.