oNozala, uLonwabo & Black in Gold
Sandile Busuku, a Cape Town-based visual artist, uses charcoal, digital media, and painting to explore the multifaceted nature of Black culture. Born in Bizana, Eastern Cape, his work is a testament to his deep-rooted connection to his heritage. Through his art, Busuku reimagines Black culture, challenging stereotypes and celebrating its rich diversity. His pieces often delve into themes of identity, history, and the resilience of the Black community.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Rebirth of Love
My artistic journey is a testament to the transformative power of self-love—a language that transcends borders, cultures, and time. Through my work, I aim to share the wealth of love, inviting viewers to experience its universal resonance.
Lady Jacky Oh! Spirit Walker is a force of nature in the art world, celebrated for her eccentric personality, extraordinary talent, and unwavering presence. With a style that defies categorisation, her work is a captivating blend of the surreal, the provocative, and the profoundly beautiful.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Born and raised in Soweto, Jacky’s early life was marked by a deep connection to the spirit world—a presence that continues to shape her art. Ancient mythologies, the supernatural, and echoes of the past often appear in her work. Today, however, her practice carries a more sentimental tone. Her colourful, unsettling, and thought-provoking paintings challenge viewers to confront their own desires.
Lady Jacky Oh!’s eccentric personality is as legendary as her art. Known for her flamboyant style, unconventional lifestyle, and outspoken opinions, she has long been a subject of fascination and attention. Fiercely independent, she remains deeply committed to her artistic vision.
Her legacy is one of boldness, beauty, and defiance—and it is certain to endure for generations to come.
Candice Myataza was born in 1997 in Cape Town (South Africa) and currently resides here. Her love for story telling led her towards creative studies. She graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree at the University of Cape Town in 2021 with majors in Film, Anthropology and Sociology.
Her visual art journey began around 2019 during a time of Covid-19, a time when the world declared social distancing. It was during this time that Candice had the opportunity to self-reflect. As a mixed-race individual, the theme of racial belonging, showed to have been the biggest influence in shaping most of how she perceives and experiences life. To put it into context, she had felt excluded in the community and schools she went to in most of her childhood and teenage life as a result of being mixed race - neither accepted by the African nor European community (African mother, European father).
Her paintings, following on the theme of racial belonging, looks at the commonalities we share as a people outside of race and how that changes the relationship we have with one another.
Candice has since sold over 20 paintings and has showcased at galleries – Mullers Gallery, 6 Spin Street Gallery, 91 Loop Street Gallery and Red Gallery of which are all based in Cape Town. Her main mediums are acrylics, oil and mixed media on canvas. Besides her personal experience as mixed race being the driving force of her exploration, she also finds inspiration from literature and daily interactions with the world.
Her painting style frequently portrays human figures that are rendered in different shades of brown, highlighting the underlying unity of the human aspect that we all share despite our many differences. Her unique style brings about a silver lining to the question of racial belonging – that we are all human beings underneath it all. Her work prompts the viewer to reflect on their own sense of identity and how it affects the relationship they have with others
ROOTS
My father, a barber with an artist’s touch, turned each haircut into a canvas of creativity and precision. In my formative years, I learned that hair is not just hair—it’s a powerful form of self-expression, a cultural statement, and a reflection of personal identity.
My photography series, “ROOTS,” is a tribute to those early days spent in my father’s barbershop and the vibrant salons I frequented. To accomplish these photographs I collaborated with Melissa NEROVIQUE, an international hair artist from Martinique who brought all the styles to life. This series is also an ode to my mom and my cousins, whose hair I helped untangle, each strand a testament to our shared history and familial bonds. Through my lens, I capture the intricate artistry and profound significance of hairstyles across different cultures and communities.
In each photograph, I aim to tell a story of transformation and individuality. The textures, colors, and styles are not just aesthetic choices; they are deeply intertwined with the wearers’ journeys, aspirations, and heritage. By highlighting these diverse hairstyles, I hope to celebrate the beauty of human diversity and the universal desire to shape our outward appearance as a reflection of our inner selves.
My name is Julien Ntamakemwa, a Cape Town-based photographer whose work is deeply influenced by my experience as a first-generation. These formative stories shape my identity and artistic vision. My photography is a fusion of conceptual and artistic expression, capturing both the extraordinary and the everyday moments that compose the rich tapestry of life. Each image I create is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and spirit of the people and places I encounter.
Through my lens, I strive to tell authentic stories that resonate with viewers, encouraging them to see their surroundings with a nuanced perspective. My goal is to foster a visual dialogue that celebrates our shared humanity and the compelling narratives that connect us all. With every image, my goal is to evoke a feeling.
In 2020 to 2021, I had the honor of being part of the group exhibition “Home Is Where The Art Is” at Zeitz Mocaa, where my work contributed to a collective exploration of identity, belonging, and the concept of home.
Umlando
Zubenathi Filana’s inspiration grows from reality, mystery and spirituality. In his body of work, he focuses on capturing cultural strength and relevance through Portraiture. He expresses the issues of individuality, identity and social conditioning within black societies.
His conceptual ideas are based on embracing melanin as an important substance in black culture and spirituality. “In our generation, we tend to ignore the obvious, our minds and social behavior are often captured by aspects of social media, western culture and stereotypes. Somehow, we tend to neglect our own realities, rather than embracing them.” In his work, Zubenathi portrays black and brown-skinned figures in Renaissance inspired techniques.
In most cases, he would use humid backgrounds, indoors or outdoors, to present his figures as the focal point rather than the scene itself. His works are mostly occupied by a peaceful and dreamlike atmosphere. Filana always aims to bring his audience into a spiritually enriching dimension.
Zubenathi Ayanda Filana, born in Keiskammahoek, Eastern Cape, is a visual artist currently based in Cape Town. Raised in a village with no formal art training, Filana exhibited a remarkable passion and talent for art, particularly in drawing and sketching, from a young age.
In 2015, he made a pivotal move to Cape Town and embarked on a transformative three-year journey, immersing himself in Professional Mosaic Art training at the esteemed Spier Arts Academy. Notably, in 2017, Filana distinguished himself as one of two outstanding Mosaic Apprentices, earning a sponsored European Cultural tour to Italy and Spain by the Spier Arts Trust.
The experience of collaborating and translating paintings into mosaics with various artists ignited a profound desire within Filana to further explore the realm of painting. Presently, he primarily engages with oil paint, drawing inspiration from classical oil painting techniques while infusing contemporary narratives into his work.
This unique fusion reflects his dedication to bridging traditional and contemporary artistic expressions, resulting in a distinctive and evocative body of work. His art often incorporates African symbolism, patterns, and motifs, paying homage to his cultural heritage. Filana’s artistic journey continues to evolve and captivate, promising an exciting future in the art world.
BUYELEKHAYA explores “home” as a safe haven and a comfort zone, involving a deep emotional connection and a sense of rootedness that significantly influences our well-being and mental health.
Phakamani Waka is a qualified photo/videographer and graphic designer. He studied Art and Design at the College of Cape Town and graduated following coursework. Phakamani has been freelancing as a photographer for more than six years, gaining the necessary experience in the field. As a result, he successfully hosted the community of Khayelitsha in his first-ever photo exhibition titled “Nature Gestalt.”
The exhibition has been his long-term dream to archive. Phakamani is a motivated, driven soul who wishes to spread love and hope with his passion for photography. He’s also motivated and eager to knock on a few more doors to keep his legacy alive. He shares a dream of seeing kids in the communities choosing and knowing photography as a career and a very powerful weapon to express their voices.
Phakamani collaborated with Magnet Theatre and two colleagues in a three-production theatre show titled “FOR THE RECORD.” As part of the production, he showcased a few of his exceptional works, in an exhibition titled “Buyelekhaya.” The exhibition was built on a collection of human portraits, exploring the concept of “Home.” Like art, space offers as safe haven and a comfort zone, and when we deep emotional connections, our well-being and mental health get nurtured.
Anthony Mhayi loves the idea of getting into the void, not knowing and trying to find his way, trying to resolve a problem while painting after he makes a decision on his concept. Anthony is a figurative painter; he finds the environment as his muse and stays inspired by what he sees around him.
Anthony Mhayi popularly known as Tony, was born in Cape Town in 1967. He began to show interest in art at the tender age of four, drawing on the walls and floors of Nomzamo Crèche using crayons. He studied art at the Community Arts Project from 1986 to 1988 where he heard about the possibility of studying art at university.
He completed a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art at Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town in 1994. After graduating, he taught art at the Community Arts Project for about nine years. He decided to leave Cape Town for the University of Natal in Pietermaritzburg where he completed his Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Art in 2001.
The art profession included a range of arts, education and creative positions: as a museum educator in the Collections Department at Iziko South African National Gallery and more recently as facilitator and art educator at the Lalela Project until 2020.
“Woe is me, for I am undone, I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell among a people of unclean
lips” (from the Bible: Isaiah 6)
In a world where the power of words can both uplift and destroy, my art seeks to explore the delicate balance between freedom of speech and the impact of our expressions. This collection, titled “Beyond The Noise: Art Against Aggression” delves into the profound significance of speech as a tool for liberation, as well as the responsibility that comes with it.
Each portrait in this series is a meditation on the duality of language—its potential to inspire, heal, and connect, juxtaposed against its capacity to wound, alienate, and oppress. I have chosen to depict individuals who embody the strength of gentle expression, those who use their voices not as weapons, but as instruments of peace and understanding.
Through the interplay of light, shadow, and color, I aim to capture the essence of communication that transcends mere words—allowing paint to have a language of its own that is both disruptive and compassionate. My work invites viewers to reflect on their own use of speech, evoking a visceral response which encourages dialogue that prioritizes empathy over aggression, and understanding over hostility.
In this exhibition, “Beyond The Noise: Art Against Aggression,” I hope to convey that true freedom of speech is not just the ability to speak, but the wisdom to choose words that uplift rather than destroy. My art is a call to honor the profound impact our words have on the world around us, and to embrace the power of expression as a force for good.
Ricky’s journey began in the small settlement of Bridgetown, nestled in Athlone, within the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa. From a young age, his passion for visual imagery was unmistakable, becoming a central thread in the tapestry of his life.
In 2018, Ricky embarked on a new chapter of his artistic exploration, experimenting with oil paints. His work primarily focuses on still life, depictions of people, street scenes, houses, and interiors. Through these subjects, Ricky seeks to capture not just the physical light, but also the essence of space and movement, aiming to create moments that resonate with interest and tension.
“My main motivation is to capture the light, along with a sense of space and movement, creating a moment of interest and tension. Painting should do more than copy reality; paint should have a language of its own that moves the viewer in the same way that music does,” he says.
With his semi-realistic style and bold brushstrokes, Ricky captures moments, stories, and emotions that are vibrant with color and deep in emotion. His technique infuses ordinary places and everyday objects with a sense of vibrancy, movement, and mystery.
Through his work, Ricky strives to achieve a result that is both relevant and reflective of the world around us, embracing both its beauty and its imperfections.
L’APPEL DU VIDE - The Call of the Void
“The call of the void” can be described as ‘an intrusive thought compelling one to jump from a high place.’ It has been documented and discussed throughout the ages by laymen and scholars alike. Recently, it has been suggested that this urge, far from describing a desire to die, can just as easily be viewed as a call to live!
And this is how I choose to see it: to hurl oneself into life, full of confidence and resilience - to live passionately without self-consciousness. I see it as a call to action, to experience all that life has to offer…and it is in this spirit that I offer this retrospective to you.
The void calls, take a leap of faith.
Tertius van Dyk is a surrealist artist born in Overberg in the Western Cape, South Africa. An avid lover of trees, rocks, rust, and everything earthy, his signature motifs often feature trees and the moon set in desert-like landscapes. He also draws inspiration from the ocean, depicting whales from his hometown of Hermanus, as well as sharks and shipwrecks.
While his love for art has been lifelong, Tertius only pursued it professionally later in life, when it became clear that his work was not only deeply valued but also in high demand. Sometimes, our best dreams take time to be realized.
Tertius works in mixed media but primarily uses acrylic on large canvas formats. Of his art, he says: “I love wide open spaces, full of emptiness and peaceful solitude, and I strive to bring this forward in my art.” Drawing from the beauty of the African landscape, his imagination fuses seemingly mismatched elements to create surrealistic gems.
