Artist Alliance Virtual Gallery

Chantell Lungiswa Joe was raised in the Eastern Cape but is currently based in Langa, Cape Town. She seamlessly intertwines art, fashion, design, philosophy and heritage in her work, no matter the medium, delving into themes of identity, culture and heritage. In addition to her artistic pursuits, she is a freelance costume designer and the founder of Inxwala Slow Market, a platform that commemorates the first harvest of the season, giving African womxn from various townships the opportunity to sell their produce.

Her latest artistic exploration involves working with clay. ‘Clay has taught me to not just listen with my ears or only see with my eyes,’ she says, ‘but it has also taught me to use every part of my body as a conduit, ready to receive and transmit information.’ The result is a body of work that is characterised by earthy, washed and gritty mud-textured surfaces. ‘The shape of some of my vessels echoes the dance and silhouette of my Khoi people,’ she explains, referencing part of her cultural lineage. ‘Yet other pieces reveal hints of the colourful Southern African cultures that inspire me.”

Joe’s clay vessels have been exhibited by the Spier Arts Trust, and at the South African Department of Art and Culture Birmingham Art Exhibition 2022, among other artistic showcases.

@forme_byme_case

Mbhali Manzini is a Cape Town based illustrator, art director and visual artist. She graduated from the open window Institute were she obtained a degree in Arts and Visual Communication. Since graduating she has been involved in the visual identities of South African brands through advertising and also founded her own brand ForMe ByMe which celebrates self-love and self-appreciation. 

Thus far she has been selected as 

• 2019 Design Indaba Emerging Creative
• 2019 Sasol New Signature Catalogue Artist
• 2023 V&A Waterfront Artist Alliance Ambassador
• Naledi Modupi, a multi-talented visual artist based in Johannesburg, is renowned for her distinct style of portraiture showcasing black femininity and cultural pride. Inspired by the strong South African women who raised her, Modupi creates abstract portraits using shapes, patterns and lines to form bold black figures accompanied by vibrant colours.

@mo.modupi

www.naledimodupi.com

Modupi's art celebrates South African women, showcasing mastery of both traditional and digital mediums like chalk, paint and digital art. Her portraits capture the spirit, strength and beauty of women from her community, including her mother and grandmothers, paying homage to the pivotal role they played in her upbringing. Through her art, Modupi seeks to tell stories of identity and heritage, ensuring future generations acknowledge the role of South African women, past and present. Modupi's versatility and cultural pride shine through in every piece, a testament to the impact the women in her life have had on her own journey as an artist.

@artbymicke_b

www.mickebuitendagart.com

Micke is an artist from Cape Town, South Africa, who taught herself the beauty of creating art. Micke graduated with a business degree but soon after turned to art as a form of therapy & reflection. Micke’s painting style is a form of contemporary & abstract art. Her artistic voice is a flow of expressive energy through mixed media masked with coffee granules & textures overlapping with rich dark brush stroked and shades portraying the daces and deep looks of people from all walks of life. Micke takes her inspiration from numerous artists and explore themes of femininity and identity in her works.

Micke’s art career stared a Youngblood gallery in 2018, she has exhibited at Cape Town Tourism, Woodstock Art Gallery, Ideas Cartel, Art Haus Gallery, the Waterfront and Fame Week 2022. Her art has also funded Star for Life Foundation & NGO “Her Unspoken Truth” via auctions

“A painting is an artist’s personal feels, thoughts, therapeutic imagination and a physical presentation of the mind” Micke

@pulengmongale

www.pulengmongale.co.za

Puleng Mongale (b. 1991), a self-taught South African visual artist, explores identity and spirituality through photography and digital collage. Inspired by the black working-class women in her daily life, she weaves memories, musings, and observations into her art, focusing on the women in her life, both living and departed.

Mongale’s digital collage work is a unique blend of the familiar and the surreal, engaging in self-portraiture that reflects and reconstructs her relationship with heritage. She delves into her generational lineage, using photography to pay homage to the women in her family, ensuring their narratives are not forgotten.
 
Mongale is interested in the idea of home and prefers to study her family’s history, which has helped her find the representation she has long sought in popular media. She believes that the answers we seek about ourselves may not necessarily be found in mainstream media but rather in our homes, families, and oral histories.
 
Initially driven by dreams of becoming a writer, Mongale obtained a BA in English and Communication Science from the University of South Africa. She trained as a copywriter in 2015 and worked at several reputable advertising agencies in Johannesburg. However, in 2019, she faced retrenchment, which prompted her to take a chance at being a full-time artist. At the age of 29, she picked up a camera for the first time and never looked back.
 
Her work, showcased in various group exhibitions globally, reflects her journey of resistance, agency, and faith. In a world where she feels unseen, art becomes Mongale’s defining medium, allowing her to shape her identity on her own terms.

@that.art.kid.lari

Larissa is a creative known for her exceptional talent in capturing and conveying visual intimacy with a touch of intrigue. Her vibrant colour palettes and intricate linework are complemented by her solid foundation in Fine Art and Curatorial studies, lending a unique depth to her work. Larissa believes in the divine inspiration that guides her in crafting visual narratives that not only represent collaborators but also embody her distinct design perspective. With an Afrofuturistic lens, she brings a fresh voice to the design world, where her services are in high demand. Larissa’s work aims to create moments of contemplation and offers a universe of its own within each project. As a freelance designer, her mission extends beyond delivering visual products; it’s about creating meaningful experiences and sharing knowledge. Larissa’s work is a testament to her creative magic, and she eagerly looks forward to inspiring others and leaving a lasting impact on their creative journeys. 

Amogelang Montjane is a self-taught contemporary artist known for exploring diverse styles and mediums.
 
Born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, Amogelang’s deep curiosity and passion has helped her carve her own path in the art world. As a testament to her commitment in creating considered and intentional work she’s developed a practice that is varied and innovative.

Her style is fluid and ever evolving - employing different mediums such as oil, acrylic, pencil and linocut. This multi-skilled approach allows her the freedom to explore different artistic expressions and new ways to create. From detailed pencil sketches, abstract acrylic paintings to textured textured linocuts, her work reflects her love for experimentation and discovery.
 
Amogelang is recognized among South African artists, having exhibited in local galleries and with her work collected by individuals around the world. Based in Johannesburg she continues to push the limitless possibilities of art, embracing the joy of the creative proves and all its potential. Her art is just not about the creation, but the process of exploring new ways to express and connect through art.

Leanne is a mural artist and illustrator who aims to create positive, uplifting art. She is particularly interested in creating art that starts conversations and celebrates people as individuals.

Using bold patterns and colour, Leanne hopes to bring joy into public spaces through her work.

@parushanaidoo___

Parusha Naidoo is a South African multi-disciplinary artist. She uses her creations as vehicles for resistance, to unite people and tell stories. Her paintings on canvas use colours, symbolism and imagery of survival and sustenance inspired by sunrise, sunset, the ocean, mountains, fruit and forests. 

@itsnonka

www.nonkambonambi.com

Nonka Mbonambi is a Johannesburg-based visual artist, curator, and muralist, as well as the Managing Director of Creative Nestlings Foundation and the founder of Curatica. 

As a curator, Mbonambi harnesses the power of art to tell compelling stories and provoke thought. At Curatica, she seeks out artists whose work resonates with themes of womanhood, motherhood, and creativity, aiming to create a platform where women can share their experiences and inspire others. 

With a wealth of experience in visual arts and curation, Nonka excels in project management, event planning, and strategic oversight. Her expertise includes painting, drawing, and effective communication. She has a proven track record in delivering successful exhibitions, murals, and events. Additionally, she serves on the Governance, HR, and Legal Committee of the Council of National Museums, providing strategic guidance on governance, human resources, and legal matters.