An impressionism feel drifts through the pigments of Zandile Tshabalala's self-portraits, as she depicts herself in still-life poses among a variety of everyday scenarios. Her definitive and primary ideas and style have gathered quite a following on Facebook and Instagram.


Now, her very first solo exhibition in the physical world is about to take place. Titled “Enter Paradise” the debut showcase of painting work is to be exhibited in Ghana at the ADA/contemporary Art Gallery, Dacca, from February 25th until 26th March. Using her portraiture as an iconic representation of a young black woman from South Africa, the acrylic works entice similar faces and new ones alike to position themselves in the pictures.


From her early days where she would colour in paper dolls at school, Zandile has always has a flare for art and design. Her young aspirations of working in fashion has materialised slightly differently this time around, however a visual clarity in art can be focussed into all kinds of positive directions. When Zandile Tshabalala decided to take her art studies into a specialism later in life, her family were unsure. They felt that the artistic streak was a form of rebellion. Needless to say, creativity is about doing the new and different and in this way a rebellious outlook for the right reasons can be a valuable asset.


It's been a long journey, however in the past couple of years, Zandile Tshabalala's works have been encouraged by international interest online and in the studio. Thanks to the platform of social media and Zandile's own fighting spirit, her skills are being noticed in all the right places.


Via Okay Africa


Follow the artist on Facebook and Instagram.


Want to use social media to promote your art? Take this course.
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The world-famous and fabled castle in the city of Nottingham has just been rejuvenated. The multi-million pound project was long overdue and has enabled the site to once again stand out as an integral piece of British history. Three years of hard work meant that the 1000 year old building has been enhanced with new technology that helps visitors learn about the structure. Robin Hood himself would be proud to see public money being spent in this way.


Visitors can learn about the legend of Robin Hood as well as the more tangible elements of written history. Interactive displays allow us to dig in and find out all about the things we are interested in. Art displays featuring the castle and its folklore are positioned generously, giving yet another dimension to the castle experience.


The grand opening is hoped to take place in March of this year, and hopefully the national lockdown will be over by then. Fingers crossed for that one. Visitors or no visitors, we can still walk around the landmark in this new promotional video. This is the first time that members of the public can see the new layout and admire the restored interior. We can also get a peek at the new exhibits that wait for us to explore.


Via Nottingham Post

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When the teenage Algerian orphan Fatma Haddad was saved from a life of estrangement in the suburbs of Algiers by the French scholar Marguerite Camina Benhoura, the young and talented local showed great artistic potential. Fatma decided to change her working name to Baya Mahieddine and with her new guardian she moved to France. It was from here that Baya's talents were allowed to truly flourish.  

A celebration of the artist's work is now on display at the New York University Grey Gallery. Baya Mahieddine (1931-1988) is responsible for bringing a brand new iconography to the world of surreal and abstract art. Her untutored hand brought to life a multiplicity of form and style. Perhaps most noted for only depicting women, the menless universe of colour and emotion give us insight into the psyche that governs a sense of self in the world.

During her stay in France, under the care of Marguerite, Baya's artworks attracted the attention of a famous art dealer. In 1947, Aimé Maeght decided to exhibit the paintings at the renowned Exposition Internationale du Surréalisme at the Galerie Maeght in the French capital. From here the work was identified by the likes of Matisse and Picasso. The playful and buoyant images took a childlike quality within adult and complex dramatics.

Pablo Picasso's famous The Women of Algiers series of paintings was directly influenced by the work of Baya Mahieddine. This collection of inspirational and foundation-building work is now on display once again for yet another round of influence and inspiration. Named “Baya: Woman of Algiers”, the full display can be visited until March 31st.