Born in Soweto, South Africa, Johannes Phokela pursued his formal art education in London, graduating from the Camberwell College of Arts and the Royal College of Art. His early career was defined by his immersion in the European art historical canon, which became the primary subject of his critical inquiry.

Phokela is recognized for his technical proficiency in oil painting, often utilizing the visual language of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish masters to interrogate themes of power, history, and cultural identity. His work frequently deconstructs classical compositions, introducing contemporary motifs that challenge traditional narratives.

His practice continues to be noted for its synthesis of classical European aesthetics and African socio-political perspectives. He remains an influential figure in contemporary South African art, maintaining a consistent focus on the intersection of historical legacy and modern visual culture.