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 , work ing primarily with acrylic, oil, and mixed media. Today, I am a qualified visual artist with a National Diploma in Visual Art s 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 his torical, 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 .
Out side 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 under standing, and use art as a means to connect with others and contribute to collective healing.
