Xolani Sibiya

Xolani Sibiya, known for his Fine Art paintings, is a self-taught artist, discovering his passion for drawing at an early age. Raised in Gemsbokspruit and later moving to Witbank and Johannesburg, Xolani honed his skills through various art competitions and gallery visits during his school years. After completing his matric in 2008, he focused on creating portraits and landscapes that express his unique vision.

In 2022, a visit to Plettenberg Bay inspired Xolani to relocate, where he immersed himself in the thriving local art scene to further pursue his career. His works reflect a deep connection to both his roots and the evolving world of contemporary African art.

Follow Xolani’s journey on Facebook: Xolani Sibiya Fine Art / @xsibiyaa

Siphamandla Mphathi

Artist Based in Knysna, South Africa

Siphamandla Mphathi is a passionate artist based in Knysna, South Africa, who believes that creativity is an inherent gift in all people—a divine talent passed down from the greatest artist of all: our Creator. Drawing inspiration from the natural world, Mphathi sees beauty in imperfection and abstraction, capturing the diverse and unique forms of life that surround us.

His artistic philosophy celebrates the idea that the world itself is a masterpiece—flawed yet perfect in its expression. Through his work, Mphathi aims to inspire others to embrace the harmony between imperfection and artistry, helping them discover and nurture their own creative potential.

Michael Nyoni

Zimbabwean-born Visual Artist & Wood Sculptor

Michael Nyoni is a Zimbabwean-born visual artist and wood sculptor now based in Knysna, South Africa. His artistic journey is deeply rooted in his profound connection to nature, which serves as his greatest inspiration. Working primarily with wood, including driftwood, Nyoni creates intricate sculptures that tell powerful stories, reflecting the beauty, simplicity, and complexity of the African landscape and its people.

His work is distinguished by its organic and earthy essence, capturing the harmony between art and nature. By transforming discarded driftwood into stunning sculptures, Nyoni breathes new life into natural materials, evoking emotion and connection through his thought-provoking pieces. His art invites viewers to find the extraordinary in the ordinary and deepens the appreciation of the natural world.

Gatsby Lubanza Mpoyi

Conceptual Fine Artist & Curator of the AIR Visual Art Exhibition

Gatsby Lubanza Mpoyi is a conceptual fine artist and curator based in the Garden Route, Knysna. Born into a family rich in cultural diversity, his artistic vision is shaped by the fusion of these various influences, which inform both his style and perspective. Mpoyi works across multiple disciplines, including painting, sketching, poetry, and music, creating thought-provoking works that explore both conscious and emotional depth.

As the curator of the AIR Visual Art Exhibition, Mpoyi plays a pivotal role in shaping the artistic narrative, providing a platform for diverse creative voices to be heard and celebrated. Driven by an unyielding passion for creativity, he not only seeks to express himself but also aims to ignite a similar artistic spark in others, inspiring them to explore their own creative potential.

Stanley Grootboom

KNYSNA, SOUTH AFRICA — Renowned multidisciplinary artist and cultural historian Stanley Donavin Grootboom announces the launch of his latest creative initiative, a profound visual and sonic archive dedicated to the “vanishing cultures” of South Africa’s indigenous people. Operating from the historic landscapes of the Tsitsikamma and the Garden Route, Grootboom’s practice serves as a vital defense against the erosion of rural heritage and the systemic erasure of Khoi and San narratives.
Grootboom’s work transcends traditional fine art, functioning as a high-fidelity record of ordinary life in extraordinary circumstances. By blending his mastery of oil and acrylic painting with innovative “tin book” installations—crafted from the reclaimed materials of demolished rural homes—Grootboom documents the delicate social fabric of village life. His latest series moves beyond the canvas, integrating recorded oral histories and traditional music gathered through extensive fieldwork with community elders.

Siphesihle Ncwana

Visual Artist from Knysna, South Africa

Siphesihle Ncwana is a visual artist from Knysna, South Africa, celebrated for his vibrant acrylic paintings inspired by the rich traditions of Xhosa tribal attire. Through his work, Ncwana explores the beauty of Xhosa culture and spirituality, using portraits and intricate patterns to honor his heritage and community.

Blending traditional and contemporary styles, Ncwana utilizes bold colors and striking compositions to capture the depth and vibrancy of Xhosa identity. As a proud Xhosa artist, his work is a testament to his cultural pride, paying homage to his ancestors while expressing his unique artistic voice. Every piece he creates reflects a deep connection to his roots, celebrating the ongoing legacy of Xhosa culture.

Khangelani

Khangelani is a celebrated South African artist known for his dynamic acrylic paintings that breathe life into pivotal moments and iconic historical figures. His work honors South Africa’s complex heritage, inviting reflection and sparking conversation about the nation’s past.

Through his masterful use of contrasting colors, Khangelani evokes powerful emotions, reviving forgotten stories and capturing the resilience and enduring spirit of the people. His art challenges viewers to engage critically with history, urging them to consider its impact on the present and future.

With a unique perspective and expressive style, Khangelani continues to captivate audiences, solidifying his place as a rising star in the South African art scene.

Eugene Lewis

Hailing from the scenic town of Knysna, Eugene Lewis brings a powerful fusion of culture and craftsmanship to the AIR Visual Art Exhibition on Human Rights Day, showcasing his Tribal Africa collection. With a passion rooted in the rich traditions of South Africa’s diverse tribes, Eugene’s individually hand-crafted ceramic figurines capture the essence of traditional garments and accessories, celebrating the heritage and beauty of the nation’s tribal cultures.

Each figurine in Eugene’s collection is a unique masterpiece, expertly crafted to reflect a distinctive Tribal Africa look. Through his work, he seeks to honor the unique identities and stories of the various tribes, while creating timeless pieces that are as meaningful as they are beautiful. The figurines can be customized and produced in larger quantities for corporate orders, and can even be mounted on wooden plinths and engraved to serve as distinguished trophies and awards.

With every piece, Eugene brings to life the motto: “One love, one heart, one people, one destiny,” underscoring his belief in unity and the power of art to bridge cultures and communities. His work at the exhibition offers a profound testament to the deep cultural roots of South Africa, celebrating its tribal heritage and the shared humanity that binds us all.

Que Qiniso

Que Qiniso, or simply “Que,” is an innovative artist whose mesmerizing works captivate and inspire. Based in the picturesque Wilderness, Que is renowned for his exceptional mastery of dotted art and landscape sculptures. His creations are not just pieces of art but gateways into worlds where nature, culture, and the human experience converge in stunning harmony.

With a meticulous eye for detail, Que intricately crafts patterns and landscapes onto sculptures, transforming each piece into a living narrative. Every dot tells a story, drawing viewers into a space of introspection and wonder. His work resonates deeply, blending personal meaning with universal truths that speak to the heart of what it means to be human.

At the heart of Que’s art lies a deep exploration of the beauty and complexity of the world around us. His sculptures invite contemplation, urging us to pause and truly observe the details that shape our existence. As he pushes the boundaries of dotted art and sculpture, Que continues to craft stories that ignite curiosity and foster connection, one masterpiece at a time.

Experience Que’s journey at the Air Festival and immerse yourself in a world where art becomes a reflection of both the artist’s soul and our shared human experience.

Anthony Roach

Anthony Roach is a distinguished fine artist and educator whose work serves as a vibrant bridge between contemporary social commentary and ancestral honoring. Based in Gqeberha, Roach is widely recognized for his “color-first” philosophy, beginning each piece by establishing a tonal landscape that dictates the emotional frequency of the canvas. This atmospheric foundation allows him to explore complex themes of social justice and identity with a visceral depth that has become a hallmark of his career in the Eastern Cape.
Central to Roach’s current practice is the reclamation of Khoe and San narratives and the exploration of “Indigenous Futurism.” Through his collaboration with the Koena Art Institute, he reimagines traditional rituals and ancestral spirits within a modern, kinetic context—most notably captured in his portrayals of the spirit and movement found in traditional dance. His paintings do more than document the past; they create a dedicated space where history and the present moment engage in a profound visual dialogue.
With a formal background from Nelson Mandela University, Roach is celebrated for the structural integrity of his compositions, which are underpinned by rigorous preparatory drawing and technical precision. His work is featured in prestigious collections, including the Iziko South African Museum and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum. As a vital chronicler of the South African spirit, Roach continues to produce work that serves as an essential visual archive of regional resilience and cultural beauty.

Yamkela Mandlevu 

Yamkela Mandlevu, an 18-year-old visual artist from Cape Town, has chosen charcoal as his primary medium for expressing monochromatic art, with a distinct focus on black and white aesthetics. His artistic endeavors revolve around
preserving the rich tapestry of South African heritage, echoing his profound connection to the culture.

Guided by the mentorship of Mr. Xolani Sivunda, Yamkela is a resident artist at Open Heart Studio. His artistic journey commenced with inspirations drawn from television animations, which later evolved into intricate pencil portraits. Since joining Open Heart Studio in 2022, he has delved into the realm of charcoal artistry.

In November 2022, Yamkela celebrated a significant milestone with his debut exhibition at the Open Heart Gallery, a showcase of his talent and dedication. His artwork has also graced the walls of the Open Heart Gallery and Youngblood Arts & Culture Development Pty. Additionally, he was selected as part of the Emerging Artists Program during Fame Week Africa Class of 2023, captivating art enthusiasts with his creations.

In November 2022, Yamkela celebrated a significant milestone with his debut exhibition at the Open Heart Gallery, a showcase of his talent and dedication. His artwork has also graced the walls of the Open Heart Gallery and Youngblood Arts & Culture Development Pty. Additionally, he was selected as part of the Emerging Artists Program during Fame Week Africa Class of 2023, captivating art enthusiasts with his creations.

What sets Yamkela apart is his remarkable artistic trajectory, flourishing without formal training while concurrently navigating his grade 12 studies. This juxtaposition emphasizes his innate talent and unwavering dedication to crafting a compelling narrative through his art

Zubenathi Ayanda Filana 

Zubenathi Ayanda Filana, born in 1994 in Keiskammahoek, Eastern Cape, is an emerging 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 modern artistic expressions, resulting in a distinctive and evocative body of work. Filana’s artistic journey continues to evolve and captivate, promising an exciting future in the art world.