Patrick Rulore (b. 1995, Johannesburg) is a contemporary South African artist whose work delves into the exploration of light, shadow, and the complexities of modern life. After matriculating in 2013, Rulore began his art practice by producing commissioned portraits. He pursued formal art education and completed a National Diploma in Fine Art at the Tshwane University of Technology in 2020. Since 2015, Rulore has participated in numerous group and solo exhibitions, establishing his presence in the art scene. His talent was first recognised in the prestigious Sasol New Signatures competition, where his works made it to the Top 100 in 2017.
The following year, he received the Top Painting accolade in the same competition. His growing reputation was further solidified in 2019 when his entry for the Thami Mnyele Art Award placed him in the top 15 best artworks. Rulore's breakthrough came in 2019 when he won the Sasol New Signatures Award for his compelling artwork, "Stage 4 Moments," a piece reflecting the impact of load-shedding on daily life in South Africa. This achievement led to his debut solo exhibition, "Stage 4 Moments, Life in Darkness," at the Pretoria Art Museum in 2021. His exceptional work continued to gain recognition, with his 2021 entry once again reaching the top 20 of the Thami Mnyele Art Award. Rulore's artworks are part of several esteemed collections, including Sasol, Tshwane University of Technology, Unisa Gallery, and various private collections locally and internationally. His art, characterised by its exploration of the interplay between light and darkness, has resonated with audiences and critics alike, making him one of the promising young talents in the contemporary South African art landscape.