Meet the Artist:

Interview with Yolanda Mazwana

Yolanda Mazwana, a self-taught visual artist born in South Africa in 1996, explores themes of mental illness, popular culture, phobias, relationships, and storytelling in her paintings.

Her work blends abstract expressionism, neo-expressionism, and symbolism, earning her recognition, including The Bag Factory Young Woman Studio Bursary in 2019 and the second prize at the Emerging Painting Invitational Prize in 2020.

Tell us about your creative work and career. What should we know?

I have been working as a full time artist since 2019. I’ve accomplished a lot since then, quite a few solo exhibitions, group shows and projects as well as art fairs and awards. I am a painter and I work in mixed mediums, blending elements of abstract expressionism symbolisms.

What makes you and or your style unique?

I think how I create as an individual, my own my mind’s imagination and creativity. There’s something that happens when you create all by yourself and you let yourself go and you just create with ease and playfulness. It’s unique in itself. It’s authentic.

How do you balance your personal life and your art practice?

I haven't mastered this aspect yet; I am currently working on unlearning certain habits and striving for better balance. Lately, I've realized that failing to establish boundaries between personal life and art practice can negatively impact both, potentially leading to resentment towards your creative work. Artists already face numerous challenges, and I believe that maintaining a balance and nurturing positive personal life and mental health are essential.

What advice would you give to an artist just starting their art career?

Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Explore various creative avenues and cultivate relationships beyond a single medium.

What do you want people to understand or take away from your creative work?

There is a strong conversation taking place within the work. I create paintings that depict the experiences of women, exploring the challenging journey of healing versus trauma, their sensitivity, and the female body. I employ mixed media to convey this narrative.

What exciting endeavors lie ahead for you? What can our community anticipate from your future ventures, and how can they support?

I am currently working on a new solo exhibition scheduled for December at Kalashnikovv Gallery in Johannesburg. I'm excited about the new works and would love for you all to see them when they're finished and ready for viewing. As for the distant future, I can't predict, but all I can do is work and create opportunities.