Artist Statement – Gift Dlamini
Gift Dlamini is a South African fine artist, born and raised in KwaMashu, north of Durban. A proud descendant of the Zulu clan, Gift discovered his passion for art at the young age of 14 while attending Mzuvele High School, later continuing his creative journey at eThekwini College.
“I believe art is a gift—something passed down by both God and my ancestors. It’s the one thing that has always come naturally to me,” he says.
Gift’s early experiences growing up as a young Zulu man in a vibrant yet complex environment shaped the foundation of his artistic voice. Deeply influenced by nature, community, and the social fabric of black society, his work reflects the realities, struggles, and spirit of his people. Over time, his artistic focus has evolved to center around the lived experiences of women and the pressing issues they face in today’s society.
Gift works primarily in acrylic paint and has developed a distinctive technique of painting on newspaper. This method began out of necessity when he couldn’t afford traditional canvas or materials—but it has since become a powerful and defining element of his work, symbolizing resilience, resourcefulness, and storytelling.
“I want my art to speak to people, to move them. My dream is for my work to be seen and appreciated not only in South African galleries but also on international platforms.”