In “Longing to Belong,” Roselyne Marikasi captures a powerful moment of quiet introspection.
The figure, wrapped in soft blue tones, leans into her own thoughts—her posture protective yet open, her gaze distant yet searching. Marikasi’s expressive brushwork brings emotional depth to the portrait, blending tenderness with resilience. The warm, abstract background contrasts with the cool blues of the dress, symbolizing the tension between inner calm and the outside world.

The subject’s hand, prominently placed, suggests both strength and vulnerability—an anchor holding her in place while her mind reaches outward. Through this intimate composition, Marikasi speaks to universal themes of identity, belonging, and the desire to find one’s place in an ever-shifting world.

A deeply human and contemplative work, “Longing to Belong” reveals Marikasi’s gift for translating emotion into colour, form, and presence.

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Longing to Belong

“My Predicament” is a striking study of emotional weight and human vulnerability, portrayed with Roselyne Marikasi’s signature sensitivity and boldness.
The figure reclines in a posture that blends exhaustion, contemplation, and quiet resistance. Her hand—prominent, heavy, and expressive—tells its own story, anchoring the entire composition. The loosely rendered lower body and unfinished lines introduce a feeling of incompleteness, mirroring the inner turmoil suggested by the title.

Marikasi’s use of cool blues and warm earthy tones creates a dynamic tension between comfort and discomfort, rest and unrest. The soft drapery, the tilted hat, and the relaxed posture contrast with the unresolved emotion visible in her expression. The piece becomes a moment suspended between giving in and holding on.

Through minimalism, expressive strokes, and a profound sense of presence, “My Predicament” captures the complexity of being caught between what is known and what is endured.

My Predicament

This portrait depicts an African woman whose hair blossoms into black roses, symbolizing the interplay of mystery and strength in her story. Executed in soft pastels and charcoal on Sinakote paper  this portrait celebrates the beauty and resilience of African women through their hair—a canvas of identity, culture, and connection to nature. The roots woven into the composition reflect endurance through pain, embodying the quiet power African women possess. Hair care and styling are acts of self-expression and self-love, transcending societal judgments of beauty imposed by pop culture and mass media. True beauty emanates from within, and for many women, caring for hair is a meaningful way to connect with themselves.
 
Themes: African womanhood, strength, roots of endurance, nature as identity.

Black Rose

This portrait depicts an African woman with flame lilies as hair, evoking the fiery spirit and vibrancy of life. This piece uses soft pastels and charcoal  to highlight the relationship between African women and nature. The flame lily—a symbol of beauty and uniqueness in African flora—mirrors the multifaceted nature of these women. Hair styling becomes a celebration of individuality and a practice of self-care, enhancing confidence and overall well-being. Through this portrait, I honor the beauty of African heritage and the enduring spirit of women who find empowerment in caring for and expressing themselves through their hair.
 
- Hair as a means of self-expression and confidence
- The importance of hair care in self-love and well-being
- Transcending societal beauty standards.
 
Themes: Beauty in diversity, women’s identity, harmony with nature, resilience.

Crowned in Fire

Echoes of her Essence

Hope in the Cracks

This vibrant painting by Kudakwashe Chuma bursts with life, movement, and energy, capturing the essence of a bustling African urban scene. The canvas is densely packed with people, vehicles, market stalls, and buildings, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of daily life where every inch is alive with detail. Chuma’s distinctive style is immediately recognizable in the way he layers hundreds of tiny, colorful figures and objects, leaving no empty space—what could be called a “visual crowd.” His use of bold, contrasting colors and intricate line work creates a sense of rhythm and vibration, almost like a city’s heartbeat made visible. Each figure, though small, carries personality and action, contributing to the overwhelming dynamism of the whole. The perspective is deliberately flattened, giving equal importance to all elements, while the sheer density transforms chaos into harmony. Chuma’s work is not just a depiction of a place, but an immersive experience of collective energy, community,

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collection: Guest Artists

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