MAKHANYA, ROMEO ZAMANI

Zamani Makhanya’s Ujima exemplifies his mastery of the ‘sgraffito’ technique, which he developed over years using oil pastels to build rich, layered color surfaces. In Ujima, Makhanya etches into these vibrant planes, creating intricate variations in color and texture. His work poetically engages with Zulu cosmology, exploring African cultural themes such as spirituality, ancestry, and rituals. Through a personal symbolic language, Ujima invites reflection on life, death, and the mysteries of existence, all interpreted through Makhanya’s deep engagement with African aesthetics and philosophical inquiry.