Galleri God

My name is Bongo Mei, but as an artist, I go by the pseudonym Galleri God. I’m a mixed media painter, born in South Africa and currently based in Johannesburg. My creative journey began in high school, where I first discovered my love for the arts. That passion led me to pursue formal training, and I went on to earn a diploma in Fine Art from Nelson Mandela University.

To me, art is an interpretation of life. It’s how I process experiences, emotions, and memory. I believe artists reflect the world as they see and feel it, making each piece a deeply personal expression. This philosophy shapes everything I create, from conceptual works to community-driven projects.

While studying, I founded the MAD (Music Art Design) Society, a creative collective space for artists and visionaries across disciplines. After university, I started The Basement Project, an initiative aimed at bringing high art to underserved communities. Through collaborations with both private and public institutions, we were able to introduce visual arts to spaces often overlooked, making art a tool for social engagement and cultural dialogue.

When I’m not in the studio, I enjoy watching opera and plays. The drama, the emotion, and the storytelling within those performances continue to inspire my artistic voice and approach.

As a featured artist on Afriartspace.com, I’m proud to contribute to the vibrant narrative of African contemporary art, offering work that’s not only rooted in personal expression but also in community, culture, and transformation.