Interview
Nhlonipho Mchunu
Nhlonipho Mchunu was born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, in the heart of the Zulu kingdom.
From an early age, he demonstrated an innate artistic talent that drove him to explore the art of his cultural roots, and re-imagine it for the modern world.
Nhlonipho studied art at the Durban University of Technology, where he won the most creative artist award at Derby Res in his first year. In 2018, he was the semi-finalist in a poetry competition at the university’s Writing Center. During this time, he made the breakthrough that enabled him to create portraits composed entirely of triangles.
After obtaining his Diploma in graphic design and visual communication, Nhlonipho moved back to Pietermaritzburg, where he currently resides.
Nhlonipho’s art uses sacred geometry to portray what is beyond all lines, shapes, and forms — the joys and sorrows of life, the struggle of the artist, the search for the divine, and the power of archetype and myth.
What is your background and how did you start your journey?
“In primary school, my friends and I would draw comic books and movie posters. Where I come from, being artistic is considered immature, so I stopped drawing for a while, trying to fit in with everyone else. A few years later, some friends and I started writing music, which was also looked down on. But for me, writing a song was more than just words. It was like having a conversation with your higher self.
At 15, at the height of my creativity, I lost my mother. She had been my shield, my light, and my inspiration. She was the only person who didn’t make me feel bad for being different, so when she passed away, I was confused and lost. I felt nothing but fear. I was an only child, my friends were too young to help, and my father was facing his own challenges. I faced my grief alone and lived in constant pain. I stopped drawing and writing, and my crew separated.
The creative voice kept calling me and a few years later, I found myself writing again. My pain gave me a voice that no other songwriter in our studio could match, gaining the respect of industry heavyweights. Years later in university, I tapped into the same pain and felt like a firecracker. The things that once broke me now became my fuel. Ever since, I’ve found that combining writing and visuals is what gives me my spark. Now, I want to share this treasure with my audience forever.”
What inspires you most?
“Curiosity is my greatest inspiration. I consider myself an explorer. I want to dive deep into my soul — so deep that I can’t even find the way back. What will I find there? I don't know, but I will find out. I just pray for enough time to share it with my audience.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My message is simple:
Those who seek themselves will find God, and those who seek God will find themselves lost.”
“Art might not change the world, but it can provide paths, answers, and assistance to those who are willing to change themselves.
Is the world wrong, or is it the people living in it? Is it the people living in it, or what lives in the people? The answers to these questions cannot be found in logic alone, but in art, instead.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is poetic, cultural, and speaks of inner worlds.”
Which artists influence you most?
“God is my greatest influence.”
What is your creative process like?
“I'm a series artist; I rarely create single artworks. When I create, I do so as a small project or series with a specific goal in mind. Most of my artworks are accompanied by a poem or other creative writing. I listen to my instincts and then allow my inner voice to lead me where it will.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“The world is filled with hatred and harm, the majority of which is caused by people who lost themselves at a young age due to a lack of love, resources, motivation, or self-belief. Through feelings, emotions, and memories, artists can help these people in their healing process.
Art is not a hobby. It’s a message from the ones who are not seen but speak through artists. Most people wish to understand God, not knowing that he showcases his mind all the time in art galleries, home studios, and on the walls in the streets. God's mind is already expressed in front of our eyes. All we have to do is to observe with an open mind, and add to his imagination through creation—the same method he used in the beginning.
People say heaven is up there. For me, heaven is between that canvas on the wall and the one who observes.
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I participated in a group project at Community ZA art gallery in 2021. Since then, I decided to postpone requests and upcoming shows to finish working on a personal project.
I’m happy to report that the book project is finally complete and you can view it here. The art book is also available online on Amazon and Apple stores, and other online bookstores.The project took most of my time, but it was well worth the wait for my audience.”
Instagram: @nhloniphoart
Other: Facebook
