My name is Siyambonga Magwentshu (Qhaweartworks), and I am a painter born in Mount Frere, a small town in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Growing up in this vibrant yet humble environment, I discovered my artistic spark at a young age, though I didn’t fully recognise it at the time.
My journey into art began in grade 4 when I spent hours drawing characters from “Dragon Ball Z” and “Supa Strikas.” Back then, drawing was my escape—a way to disconnect from reality. It wasn’t until much later, after finishing grade 12, that I realized I could pursue a career in art. This realization led me to Motheo College in Bloemfontein, where I studied Visual Arts and Design. I specialize in painting and ceramics, working primarily with acrylic, oil, and mixed media. Today, I am a qualified visual artist with a National Diploma in Visual Arts and Design, and I am based at August House Studios in Johannesburg.
My work explores the complex and evolving roles of gender in South Africa, shaped by historical, cultural, and economic factors. These dynamics vary significantly across communities and time periods, and my art seeks to capture and interrogate these narratives. By blending personal insights with broader societal themes, my paintings serve as a visual dialogue on identity, roles, and the human condition.
To me, art is a tool for healing. It has a transformative power, allowing me to process and transcend my emotions. For example, I may begin a painting feeling weighed down by sadness, but by the time the piece is complete, I find myself lighter, as if the canvas has absorbed the heaviness.
Outside of my art practice, I enjoy watching movies and listening to music, both of which inspire and enrich my creativity.
Through my work, I aim to provoke thought, foster understanding, and use art as a means to connect with others and contribute to collective healing.