Johannesburg, South Africa – Renowned South African mural artist and curator Nonka Mbonambi has unveiled a powerful new mural in Johannesburg’s CBD for Creative Nestlings, paying tribute to the incredible women creatives who are shaping the African art scene. The mural illustrated by animator Mogau Kekana, is located in Maboneng one of the creative hubs in the heart of the city, and is a vibrant and inspiring celebration of womanhood, motherhood, and creativity.
Mbonambi, who is also the founder of the creative platform CURATICA, explained that the inspiration for the mural came from the women in her own life and the broader creative community. She wanted to create a space that would not only celebrate women’s achievements but also challenge societal perceptions of what it means to be a woman in today’s world.
“I wanted to showcase their strength, resilience, and creativity in an empowering and visually striking way,” Mbonambi said. “The mural is a tribute to women’s multifaceted roles, whether in their professional careers, as mothers, or as community leaders.”
As a curator, Mbonambi believes in the power of art to tell stories and provoke thought. In her work with CURATICA, she seeks out artists whose work resonates with themes of womanhood, motherhood, and creativity. She aims to create a space where women can share their experiences and inspire others.
Balancing her own creative work with family life and personal growth has been a challenge for Mbonambi, but she has learned to manage it through careful planning and prioritization. She believes that it’s important to set boundaries and take time for self-care.
Despite facing logistical challenges in working in a busy urban area, Mbonambi persevered and completed the mural with the support of the community. The experience taught her the importance of flexibility, collaboration, and perseverance.
Mbonambi hopes that her mural will inspire other women to pursue their creative passions and challenge societal expectations. She believes that women creatives are playing an increasingly influential role in the African art scene and that there is still much to be done to achieve gender parity.
“I hope to see more platforms dedicated to amplifying women’s voices, providing mentorship opportunities, and creating spaces where women can thrive without having to constantly prove their worth,” she said.
Mbonambi has several exciting projects in the works, including collaborations with other women artists and the curation of an art exhibition. She is also working on a new body of work that explores themes of womanhood and cultural identity.
Africa Daily Post interviewed Nonka Mbonambi about her mural and her work as a curator.
- Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your recent mural project in Johannesburg CBD? What motivated you to focus on women creatives, and how did you conceptualize the idea?
The inspiration for the mural came from the women in my life and the larger creative community who continue to push boundaries, defy expectations, and create despite the challenges they face. I wanted to showcase their strength, resilience, and creativity in an empowering and visually striking way. The idea was to create a mural that not only celebrates women in the creative industries but also challenges societal perceptions of what it means to be a woman in today’s world. I conceptualized it as a tribute to women’s multifaceted roles whether in their professional careers, as mothers, or as community leaders while being unapologetically creative.
- As the Curator & Founder of CURATICA, how do you approach the curation of creative works, especially those that resonate with themes of womanhood, motherhood, and creativity?
As a curator, I believe that curation is not just about selecting works to display but also about telling a cohesive and powerful story. Regarding themes like womanhood, motherhood, and creativity, I look for works that deeply resonate with these experiences and provoke thought and discussion. I seek out artists whose works are raw, honest, and reflective of their personal journeys. At CURATICA, we believe in fostering dialogue between the art and the viewer so my approach is to select pieces that not only align with the themes but also challenge the audience to reflect on their own perspectives. I also ensure that the voices of the women we work with remain at the forefront of the narrative.
- The mural beautifully captures the multifaceted roles women play. How do you balance your creative work with other aspects of your life, such as family and personal growth?
Balancing my creative work with family life and personal growth is definitely a challenge, but it’s something I’ve learned to manage over time. I often draw on my own experiences as a mother and a woman in my artwork, which helps to create a synergy between my life and my creative practice. I believe in setting boundaries and knowing when to pause. Personal growth is a journey, and I try to integrate moments of reflection and self-care into my routine to ensure that I’m able to give my best to both my family and my work. That said, it’s a constant work in progress, and some days are harder than others.
- What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while working on this project? How did you overcome them, and what lessons did you learn in the process?
One of the biggest challenges was navigating the logistical hurdles of working in a busy urban area like Johannesburg CBD. There were security concerns as painting as a woman in the city under a bridge was very tricky I had to make friends with the vendors in the area in order for me to feel safe. But what kept me going was the support from the community and the belief in the project’s message. I learned the importance of flexibility sometimes things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. I also realized the value of collaboration; working with a team of dedicated women made the challenges more manageable, and we were able to learn from one another. The experience reinforced my belief in perseverance and adaptability.
- How do you see the role of women creatives evolving in the African art scene? What changes do you hope to see in the future, and how does your work contribute to this vision?
I see women creatives continuing to play an increasingly influential role in the African art scene. We’re already seeing more women taking up space in galleries, festivals, and other creative platforms yet there’s still a long way to go in terms of achieving gender parity. I hope to see more platforms dedicated to amplifying women’s voices, providing mentorship opportunities, and creating spaces where women can thrive without having to constantly prove their worth. Through my work with CURATICA and my own artistic practice, I aim to contribute to this shift by creating opportunities for women artists to exhibit their work, collaborate with one another, and be part of larger conversations about art, society, and culture.
- Can you share a memorable moment or feedback you received regarding the mural that particularly impacted you?
One of the most memorable moments was when a group of young girls came up to me while I was working on the mural and asked if she could be an artist when they grew up. It was a simple question, but it hit home because I could see the potential spark of creativity in them. That interaction reminded me of why I do what I do—to inspire the next generation of women to believe in their power and potential. It was heartwarming to know that the mural wasn’t just resonating with adults but was also inspiring young girls to imagine new possibilities for themselves.
- What advice would you give to other women creatives who are navigating the challenges of balancing their artistic passions with other responsibilities?
My advice would be to embrace the journey and recognize that there will be ups and downs along the way. It’s important to set boundaries and prioritize your mental and physical well-being. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—whether that’s from family, friends, or fellow creatives. Surround yourself with a support network that understands your challenges and will cheer you on when things get tough. Also, remember that it’s okay to say no sometimes; protecting your time and energy is crucial. Lastly, never lose sight of why you started—keep your passion and purpose at the forefront, and let that guide you through the challenges.
- Finally, what’s next for you and CURATICA? Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re excited about?
I’m incredibly excited about the upcoming projects we have lined up for CURATICA. We’re working on a series of collaborations with women artists across Africa, focusing on the intersection of art and social justice. I am currently curating an art exhibition for the V & A Waterfront Artist Alliance In Cape which will go live at the end of this month. We’re also planning to host more public talks and workshops in collaboration with Creative Nestlings that will bring together women creatives from various disciplines to exchange ideas and inspire one another. Personally, I’m working on a new body of work that dives deeper into the themes of womanhood and cultural identity, and I’m looking forward to sharing that in future exhibitions. There’s so much more to come, and I can’t wait to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for women in the creative industries.
