10 South African Entrepreneurs Transforming The Art Scene
10 South African Entrepreneurs Transforming The Art Scene. The South African arts industry is steadily growing as more artists are pushing the boundaries and extending their reach. Not only are the artists reaching international customers but they are also showcasing their uniqueness through their innovative and creative art pieces. These entrepreneurs are making significant contributions to the South African art scene through their innovative practices, supportive platforms, and transformative projects. They are helping to shape the future of contemporary art in the country.
Zanele Muholi
Zanele Muholi is a renowned visual activist and photographer. Through Muholi Productions, they have significantly impacted the art scene by documenting and presenting the lives of black LGBTQIA+ communities in South Africa.
William Kentridge
William Kentridge, a world-renowned artist, founded The Centre for the Less Good Idea, which is a multidisciplinary art space in Johannesburg. It supports experimental and collaborative art projects.
Esther Mahlangu
Esther Mahlangu, born 11 November 1935 is a South African artist. She is known for her bold large-scale contemporary paintings that reference her Ndebele heritage. She is one of South Africa’s best known artists.
Atang Tshikar
Atang Tshikare is a multidisciplinary artist and designer who founded Zabalazaa Designs. His work merges traditional African art with contemporary design, creating unique art pieces and furniture. He is a Cape Town based, self-taught multidisciplinary artist. His practice has evolved over twenty years from street art and drawings, to limited-edition collectible design at the intersection of sculptural furniture and functional art, moving more recently to fine art sculpture. His voice resonates with a visionary African identity that embraces a global contemporary art language.
Mbali Tshabalala
Mbali Tshabalala is a mixed media artist, curator, and creative entrepreneur. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine and Applied Art from the Tshwane University of Technology. Mbali was one of five featured artists for the 2019 Latitudes Limited Edition in collaboration with David Krut Projects for the Latitudes Art Fair. She appeared in the Thami Mnyele Fine Art Award top 100 list in 2019 and she has worked as an assistant curator at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA). Mbali Tshabalala, as part of the Nirox Foundation, supports and promotes contemporary art through residency programs, exhibitions, and educational initiatives aimed at fostering artistic talent.
Banele Khoza
Banele Khoza is an artist and gallery owner. His space, BKhz Studio and Gallery in Johannesburg, showcases emerging artists and provides a platform for young creatives to display their work.
Mohau Modisakeng
Mohau Modisakeng was born in Soweto in 1986 and lives and works between Johannesburg and Cape Town. He completed his undergraduate degree at the Michaelis School of Fine Art, Cape Town in 2009 and worked towards his Master’s degree at the same institution. Mohau is an acclaimed visual artist whose work spans performance, photography, and video. His studio focuses on creating art that addresses historical and contemporary social issues.
Ennock Mlangeni
Ennock Mlangeni is a self-taught visual artist who uses waste to create his art and make a living. Influenced by his own life experience, Ennock believes in starting where you are with whatever little you have, to build your dream.
Kim Lieberman
Kim Lieberman is a conceptual artist that honours concept above medium. Lieberman completed her undergrad degree at Wits Tech in 1997 and her MAFA at Wits University 2001. She has had eight solo exhibitions at galleries that include the Goodman Gallery (Johannesburg), Mark Coetzee Fine Art Cabinet (Cape Town), Camouflage Art. Culture. Politics (Johannesburg), Esso Gallery (New York), and Gallery AoP (Johannesburg). Kim’s work often explores themes of interconnectedness and communication. Her studio produces intricate artworks that engage with social and cultural narratives.
Nandipha Mntambo
Nandipha Mntambo is a South African artist who has become famous for her sculptures, videos and photographs that focus on human female body and identity by using natural, organic materials. Nandipha’s work addresses themes of identity, femininity, and the human form. Her studio produces thought-provoking art that engages with complex social issues.
