Qhama Maswana is a painter that is greatly inspired by the beauty and challenges of Africa. He tells us that he tries to “breathe life into a long forgotten heritage” in his finished works. His cultural paintings, inspired by his background, showcase struggle and the beauty of African people – “their full lips and thick hair, their amazing skin tone,” as Qhama puts it. Check out Qhama’s work below and be sure to read our interview with him that follows.
Describe your art in five words or less.
Describe your creative process. How do you start a new piece?
Who and what are your biggest influences?
I am inspired by the strength of the people and I see royalty in all of them, my artwork speaks, not only for me but for people who were long silenced.
What does art mean to you?
Creating and sharing my art makes me the happiest! To me art means creating the World. It means freedom, being brave and trusting in yourself and your ideas regardless.
What projects are you currently working on?
Since recently ive been getting a number of people online interested in buying my art, i am currently working on a series of artworks titled “INTUITION” the series includes 10 artworks that will be on sale. I’m am so preparing for an exhibition that will take place in Cape Town, South Africa. Do keep tabs for more information by following me on social media [links are at the end of this interview].
What do you want people to know you for?
I want people to know me for my great work, for taking the less travelled road instead of the usual, for paving the way for upcoming artists/creative’s in South Africa, enabling them to realize that you can start where you are with what you have and be as creative about your career as you are with your art.
