b. 1981 – Eastern Cape, RSA

Ayanda Mabulu is a self-taught artist whose work focuses on social upheavals and

matters affecting the politics of the black body. He currently lives and works in

Johannesburg.

Tackling the issues of inequality and his experiences in South African society, especially

those that set the black body as an area where violence occurs, Mabulu is an

internationally recognised South African artist. The discourse of power, culture, and

identity are all arranged in narrative sequences that further exaggerate the brutal

history of exploitation in South Africa. The stories at play in Mabulu’s paintings are

often derived from African folklore, specifically Xhosa fables. Mabulu quotes

“My aspirations for my work are simply to engage the viewer in conversations that uplift

the global black community.”

Mabulu is an internationally recognised artist – whilst exhibiting in many museums and

galleries around the world, Mabulu’s thought-provoking and critically acclaimed works

are often covered by the New York Times, BBC, and other prominent news outlets.

Mabulu’s work is featured in the permanent collection of art institutions, museums and

numerous public and corporate collections.

Ayanda quotes “My aspirations for my work are simply to engage the viewer in conversations

that uplift the global black community.”

Mabulu is an internationally recognized artist – whilst exhibiting in many museums and galleries

around the world, Mabulu’s thought-provoking and critically acclaimed works are often covered

by the New York Times, BBC, and other prominent news outlets.  Mabulu’s work is featured in

the permanent collection of art institutions, museums and numerous public and corporate

collections.