Rising from the tip of Cape Town and beyond emerges “Expensive Freedom,” a showcase of four South African creatives deeply entrenched in the communities they call home. In a country incredibly rich with different landscapes, stories, and identities, each artist in this drop contributes their own voice to a collective narrative of personal liberation through self-expression. And although their styles and backgrounds may vary, through diverse perspectives emerge diverse expressions, which is something proudly worth celebrating.
Skumbuzo “Skubalisto” Salman is a respected artist based in Cape Town, known for his impactful work addressing social justice, identity, and belonging. With a background in visual and fine arts, Salman has spent the past decade crafting a unique and engaging practice. He's not just a painter; he's a thoughtful voice in his community, using art as a tool for cultural awareness. Although he has painted murals in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Italy, and the US, Skumbuzo is particularly passionate about the future of young people on the African continent and is committed to making a lasting impact through mural projects and advocacy of the arts.
Instagram: @Skubalisto Twitter: @Skubalisto Website: https://www.skubalisto.com
All of Skubalisto’s portraits are painted narratives, each stroke articulating the memories, dreams, fears, and hopes of both subject and artist. In this title work “Expensive Freedom,” Skumbuzo offers a commentary on the death of the middle class. The strokes and shades of his female subject offer a visual metaphor for the complexity of the issue and invites viewers to peer beyond the layers of artistic obfuscation to hear the very real human voice on the other end. A dialogue in paint.
Isaac Zavale (b. 1988 - Maputo, Mozambique) is a Mozambican fine artist and street artist current living in Johannesburg, South Africa. He graduated from the Artist Proof Studio in Johannesburg in 2012 and proceeded to co-found the printmaking studio Prints on Paper (POP) and the Alphabet Zoo zine and printmaking workshops with artist partner Minenkulu Ngoyi. In 2015 he and Ngoyi were invited to be guest lecturers for 3rd-year students for alternative printmaking, zine-making and bookbinding courses at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.
Zavale's work focuses on the social and political issues in Southern Africa seen through the lens of a Mozambican immigrant. His background in mural painting and sign-writing is evident in his recent bodies of work, mostly consisting of inner-city landscapes that depict honest representations of Johannesburg street scenes, placing a spotlight on how people from all around Africa get to use the space in diverse ways, to create, to operate and to take ownership of the space.
Zavale has participated in numerous exhibitions, both locally and internationally including If Yesterday Was Tomorrow What Is Today, BODE Projects, Berlin (2020 2021); Joni Ya Milenge, Kalashnikovv Gallery, Johannesburg (2020); Alphabet Zoo, Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival, Johannesburg (2019); andGRAFIKAMA (Service Peinture) Exposition Collective, Nantes, France (2016).
Instagram: @Zacatwork
"Once upon a time, in the heart of a South African township, lived a young man named Jabu. He had spent his entire life in the township, surrounded by familiar faces and a routine that had become all too predictable. But deep inside, Jabu had a burning desire to explore the city of Johannesburg, a place he had only heard stories about.
One sunny morning, as the golden rays of the sun crept through the narrow alleyways of the township, Jabu decided it was time for a change. He called up his friends and declared, "You know, the township is a boring place to dress up and show off. I want to see the world, or at least, the city. I'm tired of being cooped up here!"
His friends were initially skeptical. They had grown comfortable in the township, but they couldn't deny the excitement in Jabu's eyes. They wished him good luck and watched as he embarked on his journey to Johannesburg.
As Jabu stepped off the bus in the bustling city of Johannesburg, he was overwhelmed by the sights and sounds. Tall buildings, honking cars, and people from all walks of life surrounded him. He had never seen anything like it, and his heart swelled with excitement.
However, as he wandered through the city streets, his excitement quickly turned to distress. He realized that he was completely out of his element. The city was a different world, and he felt like a lost child in a grown-up's playground. It was then, in his moment of vulnerability, that misfortune struck. A group of young thieves approached Jabu and, with swift hands, snatched one of his shoes and his backpack. Shocked and powerless, Jabu watched as they disappeared into the crowd with his prized possessions.
Tears welled up in Jabu's eyes as he stood there barefoot, his dreams of exploring the city now shattered. He didn't know what to do or where to turn. Just as despair began to take hold of him, a kind-hearted stranger approached him. The stranger had noticed Jabu's distress and asked, "Are you okay, my friend?" Jabu, his voice trembling, explained what had just happened. The stranger listened patiently, then smiled warmly and said, "Don't worry, we'll figure this out. Let's start by getting you some help."
Together, they walked to a nearby police station where Jabu reported the theft. The police officers were sympathetic and promised to do their best to recover his stolen belongings. While they couldn't make any guarantees, their support gave Jabu a glimmer of hope.
The kind stranger, whose name was Sipho, then offered to take Jabu to a nearby store to buy him a new pair of shoes. Jabu was deeply touched by Sipho's generosity and kindness. As they walked to the store, they talked about their lives, dreams, and experiences.
Over time, Jabu and Sipho became good friends. Sipho introduced Jabu to the city's vibrant culture, its museums, and its diverse cuisine. Jabu realized that there was so much more to Johannesburg than he had ever imagined. Though Jabu had come to Johannesburg in search of adventure and excitement, he found something even more precious—friendship and the kindness of strangers. He learned that it wasn't about showing off or proving himself; it was about the connections he made and the experiences he shared."
As the days turned into weeks, Jabu's stolen shoes and backpack were never recovered, but he had gained something far more valuable—a newfound appreciation for the city and the people who made it special. And wherever he went in Johannesburg, he walked with pride, not because of what he wore on his feet, but because of the friendships he had made along the way.
Lisolomzi Pikoli (b. 1989) is a fine artist, illustrator & muralist from South Africa. His work aims to interpret the mechanics of the modern world through the lens of our inherited wisdom. He creates free-form, expressive figurative compositions which he explores through painting, graphic, installation and mural work. Lisolomzi has shown work individually and in group shows in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Berlin, London, Tokyo, Lille, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. He has also been hosted as an artist-in-residence by the National Arts Festival, Trinity Sessions, Soul City movement and the Keleketla!Library. In August 2017, he was selected as one of Mzansi’s (South Africa’s) Top 100 Young Independents.
Instagram: @lisolomzipikoli Twitter: @LisolomziPikoli
This artwork, created for Lisolomz’s up coming fable “Breathless”, is an illustration where we see the young protagonist of the story pictured reigning in his Swan as he arrives on the scene. “Breathless” is a graphically expressed Fable in which this scene portrays a dramatic display of poise and power whilst juxtaposing the contentious relationship between man and nature through this fantastical artwork.
Bushy Wopp is an artist and illustrator based in Cape Town, South Africa. His first love is mural art which he uses as a medium to uplift his community. African identity and pride are important topics in his art, with themes such as equality, afro-futurism, unity and street culture running throughout. Bushy Wopp has established a distinct and unique style that is renowned but continues to play with his artistic medium without boundaries or limitations.
Website: Bushywopp.com Instagram: @Bushywopp
An animated reminder to put yourself first and protect yourself from bad energy. That means taking care of your mental health and listening to what’s right for you. It encourages self-care, self-love, and self-protection in a world often filled with challenges and negative influences. This captivating piece serves as a visual mantra, gently reminding us that taking care of oneself and creating boundaries to protect against harmful energy is a sacred act of self-preservation.
Rising from the tip of Cape Town and beyond emerges “Expensive Freedom,” a showcase of four South African creatives deeply entrenched in the communities they call home. In a country incredibly rich with different landscapes, stories, and identities, each artist in this drop contributes their own voice to a collective narrative of personal liberation through self-expression. And although their styles and backgrounds may vary, through diverse perspectives emerge diverse expressions, which is something proudly worth celebrating.
Skumbuzo “Skubalisto” Salman is a respected artist based in Cape Town, known for his impactful work addressing social justice, identity, and belonging. With a background in visual and fine arts, Salman has spent the past decade crafting a unique and engaging practice. He's not just a painter; he's a thoughtful voice in his community, using art as a tool for cultural awareness. Although he has painted murals in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Italy, and the US, Skumbuzo is particularly passionate about the future of young people on the African continent and is committed to making a lasting impact through mural projects and advocacy of the arts.
Instagram: @Skubalisto Twitter: @Skubalisto Website: https://www.skubalisto.com
All of Skubalisto’s portraits are painted narratives, each stroke articulating the memories, dreams, fears, and hopes of both subject and artist. In this title work “Expensive Freedom,” Skumbuzo offers a commentary on the death of the middle class. The strokes and shades of his female subject offer a visual metaphor for the complexity of the issue and invites viewers to peer beyond the layers of artistic obfuscation to hear the very real human voice on the other end. A dialogue in paint.
Isaac Zavale (b. 1988 - Maputo, Mozambique) is a Mozambican fine artist and street artist current living in Johannesburg, South Africa. He graduated from the Artist Proof Studio in Johannesburg in 2012 and proceeded to co-found the printmaking studio Prints on Paper (POP) and the Alphabet Zoo zine and printmaking workshops with artist partner Minenkulu Ngoyi. In 2015 he and Ngoyi were invited to be guest lecturers for 3rd-year students for alternative printmaking, zine-making and bookbinding courses at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.
Zavale's work focuses on the social and political issues in Southern Africa seen through the lens of a Mozambican immigrant. His background in mural painting and sign-writing is evident in his recent bodies of work, mostly consisting of inner-city landscapes that depict honest representations of Johannesburg street scenes, placing a spotlight on how people from all around Africa get to use the space in diverse ways, to create, to operate and to take ownership of the space.
Zavale has participated in numerous exhibitions, both locally and internationally including If Yesterday Was Tomorrow What Is Today, BODE Projects, Berlin (2020 2021); Joni Ya Milenge, Kalashnikovv Gallery, Johannesburg (2020); Alphabet Zoo, Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival, Johannesburg (2019); andGRAFIKAMA (Service Peinture) Exposition Collective, Nantes, France (2016).
Instagram: @Zacatwork
"Once upon a time, in the heart of a South African township, lived a young man named Jabu. He had spent his entire life in the township, surrounded by familiar faces and a routine that had become all too predictable. But deep inside, Jabu had a burning desire to explore the city of Johannesburg, a place he had only heard stories about.
One sunny morning, as the golden rays of the sun crept through the narrow alleyways of the township, Jabu decided it was time for a change. He called up his friends and declared, "You know, the township is a boring place to dress up and show off. I want to see the world, or at least, the city. I'm tired of being cooped up here!"
His friends were initially skeptical. They had grown comfortable in the township, but they couldn't deny the excitement in Jabu's eyes. They wished him good luck and watched as he embarked on his journey to Johannesburg.
As Jabu stepped off the bus in the bustling city of Johannesburg, he was overwhelmed by the sights and sounds. Tall buildings, honking cars, and people from all walks of life surrounded him. He had never seen anything like it, and his heart swelled with excitement.
However, as he wandered through the city streets, his excitement quickly turned to distress. He realized that he was completely out of his element. The city was a different world, and he felt like a lost child in a grown-up's playground. It was then, in his moment of vulnerability, that misfortune struck. A group of young thieves approached Jabu and, with swift hands, snatched one of his shoes and his backpack. Shocked and powerless, Jabu watched as they disappeared into the crowd with his prized possessions.
Tears welled up in Jabu's eyes as he stood there barefoot, his dreams of exploring the city now shattered. He didn't know what to do or where to turn. Just as despair began to take hold of him, a kind-hearted stranger approached him. The stranger had noticed Jabu's distress and asked, "Are you okay, my friend?" Jabu, his voice trembling, explained what had just happened. The stranger listened patiently, then smiled warmly and said, "Don't worry, we'll figure this out. Let's start by getting you some help."
Together, they walked to a nearby police station where Jabu reported the theft. The police officers were sympathetic and promised to do their best to recover his stolen belongings. While they couldn't make any guarantees, their support gave Jabu a glimmer of hope.
The kind stranger, whose name was Sipho, then offered to take Jabu to a nearby store to buy him a new pair of shoes. Jabu was deeply touched by Sipho's generosity and kindness. As they walked to the store, they talked about their lives, dreams, and experiences.
Over time, Jabu and Sipho became good friends. Sipho introduced Jabu to the city's vibrant culture, its museums, and its diverse cuisine. Jabu realized that there was so much more to Johannesburg than he had ever imagined. Though Jabu had come to Johannesburg in search of adventure and excitement, he found something even more precious—friendship and the kindness of strangers. He learned that it wasn't about showing off or proving himself; it was about the connections he made and the experiences he shared."
As the days turned into weeks, Jabu's stolen shoes and backpack were never recovered, but he had gained something far more valuable—a newfound appreciation for the city and the people who made it special. And wherever he went in Johannesburg, he walked with pride, not because of what he wore on his feet, but because of the friendships he had made along the way.
Lisolomzi Pikoli (b. 1989) is a fine artist, illustrator & muralist from South Africa. His work aims to interpret the mechanics of the modern world through the lens of our inherited wisdom. He creates free-form, expressive figurative compositions which he explores through painting, graphic, installation and mural work. Lisolomzi has shown work individually and in group shows in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Berlin, London, Tokyo, Lille, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. He has also been hosted as an artist-in-residence by the National Arts Festival, Trinity Sessions, Soul City movement and the Keleketla!Library. In August 2017, he was selected as one of Mzansi’s (South Africa’s) Top 100 Young Independents.
Instagram: @lisolomzipikoli Twitter: @LisolomziPikoli
This artwork, created for Lisolomz’s up coming fable “Breathless”, is an illustration where we see the young protagonist of the story pictured reigning in his Swan as he arrives on the scene. “Breathless” is a graphically expressed Fable in which this scene portrays a dramatic display of poise and power whilst juxtaposing the contentious relationship between man and nature through this fantastical artwork.
Bushy Wopp is an artist and illustrator based in Cape Town, South Africa. His first love is mural art which he uses as a medium to uplift his community. African identity and pride are important topics in his art, with themes such as equality, afro-futurism, unity and street culture running throughout. Bushy Wopp has established a distinct and unique style that is renowned but continues to play with his artistic medium without boundaries or limitations.
Website: Bushywopp.com Instagram: @Bushywopp
An animated reminder to put yourself first and protect yourself from bad energy. That means taking care of your mental health and listening to what’s right for you. It encourages self-care, self-love, and self-protection in a world often filled with challenges and negative influences. This captivating piece serves as a visual mantra, gently reminding us that taking care of oneself and creating boundaries to protect against harmful energy is a sacred act of self-preservation.
Rising from the tip of Cape Town and beyond emerges “Expensive Freedom,” a showcase of four South African creatives deeply entrenched in the communities they call home. In a country incredibly rich with different landscapes, stories, and identities, each artist in this drop contributes their own voice to a collective narrative of personal liberation through self-expression. And although their styles and backgrounds may vary, through diverse perspectives emerge diverse expressions, which is something proudly worth celebrating.
Skumbuzo “Skubalisto” Salman is a respected artist based in Cape Town, known for his impactful work addressing social justice, identity, and belonging. With a background in visual and fine arts, Salman has spent the past decade crafting a unique and engaging practice. He's not just a painter; he's a thoughtful voice in his community, using art as a tool for cultural awareness. Although he has painted murals in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Italy, and the US, Skumbuzo is particularly passionate about the future of young people on the African continent and is committed to making a lasting impact through mural projects and advocacy of the arts.
Instagram: @Skubalisto Twitter: @Skubalisto Website: https://www.skubalisto.com
All of Skubalisto’s portraits are painted narratives, each stroke articulating the memories, dreams, fears, and hopes of both subject and artist. In this title work “Expensive Freedom,” Skumbuzo offers a commentary on the death of the middle class. The strokes and shades of his female subject offer a visual metaphor for the complexity of the issue and invites viewers to peer beyond the layers of artistic obfuscation to hear the very real human voice on the other end. A dialogue in paint.
Isaac Zavale (b. 1988 - Maputo, Mozambique) is a Mozambican fine artist and street artist current living in Johannesburg, South Africa. He graduated from the Artist Proof Studio in Johannesburg in 2012 and proceeded to co-found the printmaking studio Prints on Paper (POP) and the Alphabet Zoo zine and printmaking workshops with artist partner Minenkulu Ngoyi. In 2015 he and Ngoyi were invited to be guest lecturers for 3rd-year students for alternative printmaking, zine-making and bookbinding courses at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.
Zavale's work focuses on the social and political issues in Southern Africa seen through the lens of a Mozambican immigrant. His background in mural painting and sign-writing is evident in his recent bodies of work, mostly consisting of inner-city landscapes that depict honest representations of Johannesburg street scenes, placing a spotlight on how people from all around Africa get to use the space in diverse ways, to create, to operate and to take ownership of the space.
Zavale has participated in numerous exhibitions, both locally and internationally including If Yesterday Was Tomorrow What Is Today, BODE Projects, Berlin (2020 2021); Joni Ya Milenge, Kalashnikovv Gallery, Johannesburg (2020); Alphabet Zoo, Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival, Johannesburg (2019); andGRAFIKAMA (Service Peinture) Exposition Collective, Nantes, France (2016).
Instagram: @Zacatwork
"Once upon a time, in the heart of a South African township, lived a young man named Jabu. He had spent his entire life in the township, surrounded by familiar faces and a routine that had become all too predictable. But deep inside, Jabu had a burning desire to explore the city of Johannesburg, a place he had only heard stories about.
One sunny morning, as the golden rays of the sun crept through the narrow alleyways of the township, Jabu decided it was time for a change. He called up his friends and declared, "You know, the township is a boring place to dress up and show off. I want to see the world, or at least, the city. I'm tired of being cooped up here!"
His friends were initially skeptical. They had grown comfortable in the township, but they couldn't deny the excitement in Jabu's eyes. They wished him good luck and watched as he embarked on his journey to Johannesburg.
As Jabu stepped off the bus in the bustling city of Johannesburg, he was overwhelmed by the sights and sounds. Tall buildings, honking cars, and people from all walks of life surrounded him. He had never seen anything like it, and his heart swelled with excitement.
However, as he wandered through the city streets, his excitement quickly turned to distress. He realized that he was completely out of his element. The city was a different world, and he felt like a lost child in a grown-up's playground. It was then, in his moment of vulnerability, that misfortune struck. A group of young thieves approached Jabu and, with swift hands, snatched one of his shoes and his backpack. Shocked and powerless, Jabu watched as they disappeared into the crowd with his prized possessions.
Tears welled up in Jabu's eyes as he stood there barefoot, his dreams of exploring the city now shattered. He didn't know what to do or where to turn. Just as despair began to take hold of him, a kind-hearted stranger approached him. The stranger had noticed Jabu's distress and asked, "Are you okay, my friend?" Jabu, his voice trembling, explained what had just happened. The stranger listened patiently, then smiled warmly and said, "Don't worry, we'll figure this out. Let's start by getting you some help."
Together, they walked to a nearby police station where Jabu reported the theft. The police officers were sympathetic and promised to do their best to recover his stolen belongings. While they couldn't make any guarantees, their support gave Jabu a glimmer of hope.
The kind stranger, whose name was Sipho, then offered to take Jabu to a nearby store to buy him a new pair of shoes. Jabu was deeply touched by Sipho's generosity and kindness. As they walked to the store, they talked about their lives, dreams, and experiences.
Over time, Jabu and Sipho became good friends. Sipho introduced Jabu to the city's vibrant culture, its museums, and its diverse cuisine. Jabu realized that there was so much more to Johannesburg than he had ever imagined. Though Jabu had come to Johannesburg in search of adventure and excitement, he found something even more precious—friendship and the kindness of strangers. He learned that it wasn't about showing off or proving himself; it was about the connections he made and the experiences he shared."
As the days turned into weeks, Jabu's stolen shoes and backpack were never recovered, but he had gained something far more valuable—a newfound appreciation for the city and the people who made it special. And wherever he went in Johannesburg, he walked with pride, not because of what he wore on his feet, but because of the friendships he had made along the way.
Lisolomzi Pikoli (b. 1989) is a fine artist, illustrator & muralist from South Africa. His work aims to interpret the mechanics of the modern world through the lens of our inherited wisdom. He creates free-form, expressive figurative compositions which he explores through painting, graphic, installation and mural work. Lisolomzi has shown work individually and in group shows in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Berlin, London, Tokyo, Lille, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. He has also been hosted as an artist-in-residence by the National Arts Festival, Trinity Sessions, Soul City movement and the Keleketla!Library. In August 2017, he was selected as one of Mzansi’s (South Africa’s) Top 100 Young Independents.
Instagram: @lisolomzipikoli Twitter: @LisolomziPikoli
This artwork, created for Lisolomz’s up coming fable “Breathless”, is an illustration where we see the young protagonist of the story pictured reigning in his Swan as he arrives on the scene. “Breathless” is a graphically expressed Fable in which this scene portrays a dramatic display of poise and power whilst juxtaposing the contentious relationship between man and nature through this fantastical artwork.
Bushy Wopp is an artist and illustrator based in Cape Town, South Africa. His first love is mural art which he uses as a medium to uplift his community. African identity and pride are important topics in his art, with themes such as equality, afro-futurism, unity and street culture running throughout. Bushy Wopp has established a distinct and unique style that is renowned but continues to play with his artistic medium without boundaries or limitations.
Website: Bushywopp.com Instagram: @Bushywopp
An animated reminder to put yourself first and protect yourself from bad energy. That means taking care of your mental health and listening to what’s right for you. It encourages self-care, self-love, and self-protection in a world often filled with challenges and negative influences. This captivating piece serves as a visual mantra, gently reminding us that taking care of oneself and creating boundaries to protect against harmful energy is a sacred act of self-preservation.
