Biography of Nomvula Hoko

Nomvula Hoko, b. October 1996, Sebokeng . She is a multidisciplinary talented artist hailing from Johannesburg, embarked on her artistic journey during her high school years under the guidance of Senzeni Marasela and Lucas Matjila. In 2018, Nomvula's passion for art blossomed, leading her to pursue a career in the field.

After studying at Walter Sisulu University for a Diploma in Fine Arts, Nomvula furthered her education by enrolling in the Advanced Diploma of Fine and Applied Arts at Tshwane University of Technology. Along the way, her exploration of different artistic mediums she discovered the captivating world of printmaking under the mentorship of Luzuko Dayile. Printmaking became more than just a technique for Nomvula; it became a profound form of expression that shaped her artistic voice and also work as a multimedia artist.

Nomvula’s art explores spirituality, identity, and ancestral calling, weaving cultural and personal narratives that transcend boundaries. Her accomplishments include a 2024 printmaking workshop, curating a group exhibition, and facilitating with Art and Ubuntu Trust. She won Best 2D Art-at the 2023 MEC Eastern Cape Heritage Awards. Notable roles: assistant printmaker for Blessing Ngobeni and art teacher at Pj Simelani Secondary. Her 2023 solo exhibition, _Woman in Process_, debuted at Artroom Gallery. As a member of The Printmaking Girls SA and art teacher she continues to build an outstanding career.

Artist Statement 

Nomvula Hoko Artist Statement “Echo of Assimilation”
"I want my art not only to shape what we become but also how we become - I am a woman in process. I delight in the poetry of life that takes its form from the lines of life which twists and extends impossibly. It spits and drips and as sweet and wild as life itself. Part of my process it’s playing with depth, foreground, pattern and emotion. “ - Nomvula Millicent Hoko

My artistic practice is a response to the ancestral calling that resonates within me and Influenced by Buhlebezwe Siwani and Nandipha Mtambo, Through painting, printmaking, and mixed media drawing, I explore the intersection of culture, identity, and the interpretation of traditional beliefs. I seek to bridge the gap between the physical and spiritual realms, inviting the viewer to enter a dreamscape where ancient wisdom and personal narrative converge.

My work is a testament to the enduring power of ancestral knowledge and the importance of honoring our cultural heritage. I delve into the symbolism and mythology of my ancestors, reinterpreting traditional beliefs through a contemporary ethereal and surreal. The resulting pieces are a fusion of past and present, tradition and innovation, and the conscious and subconscious.

In my creative journey, I embrace the fluidity of identity and the multiplicity of truths. I invite the viewer to join me on this path of discovery, where the boundaries of reality are pushed and the possibilities of interpretation are endless celestial dreamscapes.
Through my art, I aim to not only honor my ancestors but also to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about cultural identity, tradition, and innovation. I believe that our collective stories and beliefs have the power to shape our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

Thokoza, Camagu , Ndauwe , Lesedi Kganya