Mlamuli Zulu

A Fusion of Culture and Creativity

I am Mlamuli Zulu, a professional fine artist, born and raised in the Northern Region of KwaZulu Natal, specifically in Ulundi, eMahlabathini, eMabedlana.

My artistic journey began when I was introduced to art during my primary school days by Mr. Nkosi, who encouraged our class to create African masks from recycled newspapers. I was just nine years old when I first fell in love with art.

I am a Vaal University of Technology Alumna and currently serve as an advisory committee member for Fine Art at VUT.

In 2018, I was awarded the first prize at the Thami Mnyele Fine Arts Award 31st Celebration in Ekurhuleni. I received the Ulundi Entertainment & Business Special Award in 2018. I was one of the top seven winners at the SASOL New Signatures competition in 2019, where I received a merit award. In 2022, I organized and curated the uMsizi noPende arts competition at the Springs Art Gallery, incubating ten emerging visual creatives.

I believe that art is a powerful medium for social observation and expression, transcending the visual and delving into the realms of culture, history, and humanity. I specialize in creating installation artworks that explore the intricate relationship between individuals and their environment. I use multimedia to convey complex narratives, and my artistic process is a deeply personal and transformative journey. My work is primarily characterized by expressive contemporary installations, which often incorporate cultural symbols within the contemporary art context. This fusion combines the richness of cultural history with a fresh perspective, creating a unique narrative of tradition and innovation in the canvas of human experience.