IN CONVERSATION

Exclusive interviews with African Contemporary Artists uncovering their unique story with no filters.

FRANÇAIS
Inside Zilien’s Dreamlike Worlds: A Journey to the Edge of Consciousness
Interview Ngalula MAFWATA Interview Ngalula MAFWATA

Inside Zilien’s Dreamlike Worlds: A Journey to the Edge of Consciousness

Let’s dive into Zilien’s (b.1995) dreamed worlds — at once oneiric and vibrant. Born in Mauritius, he traces the invisible pathways of consciousness and invites each of us to journey into the infinity of our inner worlds. In his work, the dream extends reality like a luminous shadow, a subtle resonance embodied in his paintings and installations. Entering his universe is stepping into the antechamber of the soul, where inner landscapes and outer horizons intertwine. Zilien’s art is an experience.

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Nthabiseng KEKANA : Between Ancient Wisdom and Healing
Ngalula MAFWATA Ngalula MAFWATA

Nthabiseng KEKANA : Between Ancient Wisdom and Healing

During FNB Art Joburg, Nthabiseng Kekana (b. 1999) unveiled Sankofa: A Call for Remembrance, a memorable solo show with Wunika Mukan Gallery. The exhibition stands as a testament to the artist and healer’s wisdom and depth, arriving just as she returned from her initiation as a sangoma (traditional healer).

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Abdoulaye SOW : From Healing to Art: “Nature is our Teacher.”
Interview Ngalula MAFWATA Interview Ngalula MAFWATA

Abdoulaye SOW : From Healing to Art: “Nature is our Teacher.”

The art of Abdoulaye SOW is both an ode to nature and a tribute to ancestral knowledge. Using pigments extracted from the Mbant Maré plant, a natural remedy that once healed him, SOW delves into the essence of human existence, urging us to reconnect with the Earth as a vital source of wisdom. While deeply inspired by Mother Nature, the artist draws even greater influence from his own mother, whose presence and teachings have left a profound imprint on his artistic identity. The cure lies in nature, he reminds us. We must embrace it, alongside spirituality, to reach a higher state of consciousness.

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A closer look at Barry YUSUFU’s future classics
Interview Ngalula MAFWATA Interview Ngalula MAFWATA

A closer look at Barry YUSUFU’s future classics

A deep thinker with a contemplative mind, Barry YUSUFU in this interview shares his reflections with Mayi Arts as we retrace the steps of his singular artistic journey. The Nigerian-born artist is currently based in London, where he is completing a Master’s degree at Central Saint Martins.

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Inside Manyaku Mashilo’s Art : A Journey Through Sacred Womanhood
Ngalula MAFWATA Ngalula MAFWATA

Inside Manyaku Mashilo’s Art : A Journey Through Sacred Womanhood

In this interview, Manyaku Mashilo shares the profound thoughts and creative process behind her latest works, presented in The Laying of Hands at Southern Guild, Los Angeles. She offers deeper insight into the inspirations that shape her practice, revealing the layered meanings behind her powerful visual language.

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In Conversation: Eli Made, the Alchemist from Shadow to Light
Ngalula MAFWATA Ngalula MAFWATA

In Conversation: Eli Made, the Alchemist from Shadow to Light

Modern Alchemist, Eli Made is an artist who delves into the psyche, holding a mirror up to us through his works. In this interview for Mayì-Arts, Eli Made opens the door to his mind and retraces his journey as he prepares for his next exhibition.

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Sacred Womanhood

Inside Manyaku Mashilo’s Art exploring the healing power of ‘The Laying of Hands’

[EN/FR]

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