Asisebenze Art Atelier: Gallery Grand Opening

Downtown Johannesburg got a little brighter, bolder, and more electrifying on 18 September 2025, when Asisebenze Art Atelier (AAA) threw open the doors of its new gallery at 34 Loveday Street. The day was a pulsating celebration of African creativity, culture, and collaboration an experience that left everyone wishing they’d been there to feel the energy firsthand.

From the moment you stepped inside the six-floor heritage building, you could feel Johannesburg’s heartbeat in every corner. Studios buzzed with experimentation, laughter, and creative sparks as emerging and established artists mingled with art lovers, collectors, and the curious passersby who couldn’t resist peeking in. The gallery’s daily opening hours mean this immersive experience is now available for everyone to witness and participate in.

The day was electrified by Ithongo Experience, whose shamanic chants and performances created an almost spiritual connection between visitors and the art. Guests were also treated to Manini Collection’s MCC collab with artist Thokozani Mthiyane, blending fashion and visual art in a vibrant, innovative display that highlighted Johannesburg’s pulse as a cultural hub.

About Asisebenze

Asisebenze was born from the desire to build a sustainable fine arts ecosystem for Africa’s emerging talent. It provides artists with studios, materials, housing, and mentorship, allowing them to grow creatively and commercially. Artists don’t just make art they live it, reflecting contemporary African life in all its richness, energy, and complexity.

The atelier doubles as a gallery and art dealership, open daily for visitors. Artworks by all resident artists are available to the public by appointment. Art dealers and brokers can contact curator Nolan Stevens at info@asisebenze.com to arrange viewings.

Spotlight on Artists

Sandile Ndubukelwayo: Reclaiming Space and Identity

Q: Introduce yourself and your work.

A: Sandile: I’m a visual artist. My work revolves around cultural preservation, heritage knowledge, and identity. I work in charcoal, printmaking, and painting, and I’m currently part of an exhibition at Asisebenze Gallery.

Q: How did your collaboration with Asisebenze come about? A: Sandile: I’m a student here, and when I heard about the gallery, I was excited. I submitted a few works, refined them, and now I’m part of their exhibitions.

Q: What inspires your art? A: Sandile: I grew up in a practicing Swathi household and moved a lot, losing my sense of belonging. My art revisits spaces where I lost myself, reclaiming and preserving that identity.

Q: Advice for upcoming artists? A: Sandile: It requires resilience, dedication, and commitment. Spaces like Asisebenze will welcome you if you work hard—there’s no “sleeping in” for art.

Upcoming Projects: Two consignments (Cape Town and Melville), Absa Art Fair on 4 October at RO Sculpture Park, and a fourth-year show at VE Bio Hub in Parktown.

Mmutla Mashishi: Transforming Plastic Into Storytelling

Q: Introduce yourself and your medium. A: Mmutla: I’m a sculptor using plastic as my primary medium. Plastic is my clay—I can model, cast, and craft it. My work tells the story of my journey as an artist and where I come from.

Q: How did your collaboration with Asisebenze come about? A: Mmutla: I was a resident helping other artists, and after sharing my work, I was offered space to continue my practice here.

Q: Advice for emerging artists? A: Mmutla: Believe in yourself, work consistently, and always be ready to learn. Accept criticism—it will build you. Hard work and dedication take you far.

Samantha Impumelelo Maseko: Exploring Blackness and Identity

Q: Introduce yourself and your work. A: Samantha: I’m a visual artist exploring blackness and identity, mostly through oil painting and collage.

Q: How did your residency with Asisebenze come about? A: Samantha: I’ve been here since the building became studios. It’s been a long journey of creating, exploring, and connecting with other artists.

Q: Advice for upcoming artists? A: Samantha: Hard work and creativity go hand in hand. Keep exploring and don’t be afraid to try something new.

Q: What would you tell your younger self? A: Samantha: I’d say, “You are great. Be confident and know your worth.”

Q&A with Tanya K – Curator of Asisebenze Atelier Gallery

Q: What inspired the opening of this new gallery space? A: Tanya: There weren’t many galleries in the area, so we wanted a space for artists to showcase, collaborate, and be truly seen. This is a creative lab for experimentation and connection.

Q: How will this space support emerging and underrepresented artists? A: Tanya: We host group and solo exhibitions. Our doors are open to all artists who want to share their stories.

Q: How will the gallery engage with the local community? A: Tanya: By making art accessible and connecting locals with artists living and working in Johannesburg.

Q: What exhibitions or themes can visitors expect? A: Tanya: The gallery day on 18 September featured current artists, and future exhibitions include a recycling show with Origin Art in October and stories exploring COVID’s impact on the city center.

Q: How does Asisebenze plan to sustain its impact? A: Tanya: Through exhibitions, conversations, community engagement, and collaborations that bring South African art to a global audience.

Q: How can an upcoming artist get involved? A: Tanya: Reach out via:

• WhatsApp: 077 606 9420

• Email: tanyak@asisebenze.com

Be Part of the AAA Experience

The Asisebenze Atelier Gallery is a daily invitation into a world of creativity, culture, and bold experimentation. From Ithongo Experience’s shamanic chants to the Manini Collection MCC collab with Thokozani Mthiyane, every visit immerses you in the vibrant pulse of Johannesburg’s art scene.

Step into this space, feel the energy, meet the artists, and discover stories told in color, form, and movement. Whether you missed the opening day or are planning your first visit, AAA is open daily for art lovers, collectors, and anyone curious about the future of contemporary African art.