Masonwabe Ntloko

Masonwabe Ntloko (b. 1996) is a South African visual artist, illustrator, and textile design graduate known for his modern heritage style that blends cultural richness with contemporary expression. Originally from Engwane, a village that greatly influences his work, Masonwabe grew up in a small town of Dutywa. His art is deeply rooted in Xhosa culture, South African heritage, and personal experiences, which he intricately weaves into his visual narratives. Ntloko's art serves as a storyteller, offering a bridge between past traditions and modern life, with particular focus on the everyday experiences of ordinary Black people.

His work is characterized by its simplicity and cultural influence, often exploring themes of spirituality, rites of passage, and the role of matriarchs within the Xhosa community. Through these stories, Masonwabe celebrates not just the Xhosa people but the diversity of South African culture as a whole. His pieces, which include illustration, painting, textile, and rug design, have been featured in museums and exhibitions across South Africa, allowing him to showcase his unique interpretation of South African heritage.