Artwork Details
Dance of memory, 2026
Mixed media on paper
Artist Biography
I am Wisani Manyisi, a contemporary artist born in Limpopo, South Africa. Currently working and residing in Johannesburg. My artistic journey is deeply rooted in memory and psychology, which I juxtapose with my childhood memories. My creative endeavours began in my youth, when the only available medium was clay, wires, wood and other found objects. This early exploration of diverse mediums laid the foundation for my artistic development. I started my art journey in 2010 when I first got to Funda Centre. I then proceeded to the Tshwane University of Technology in 2013-2017, where I completed a Diploma and a B-Tech in Fine Art. Following that, I obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, specialising in Creative and Visual Arts, from the University of Johannesburg in 2019. My diverse artistic training encompasses printmaking, drawing, and sculpture. This multifaceted approach reflects my commitment to artistic expression.
My work has been recognised through several achievements, including being selected as a student mentor in 2015-2016 and participating in the Association of Art in Pretoria “student exhibition” that year. I was also a finalist in 2019 at Thami Mnyele Art Competition, Sasol New Signatures Competition finalist in 2023, 2024 and 2025. I was crowned as Umsizi No Pende overall winner in 2025.
Q&A
Tell us what your reaction was when you received the news that your work had been selected as one of the final 7 in the Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition 2026?
I was very excited to receive the news bearing in mind how competitive the competition is.
Is this your first time entering Sasol New Signatures? If so, what prompted you to enter? If not, how many times have you entered, and what keeps bringing you back to the competition?
I have entered seven times, and I did not make it through the first three times. This is my fourth time in a row to be in the final exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum. This is the first time making it into the top seven. I have kept trying because I believe this competition helps me identify where I am in terms of improving how I articulate myself visually and in writing. The competition has also given me an opportunity to have my work visible to the public through the annual exhibition, as well as building my portfolio.
As South Africa’s longest running art competition, what does being part of this competition mean to you at this stage of your artistic journey?
This is validation for me that what I am doing is not a waste of time. I believe this opportunity comes with a lot of other opportunities from different places and a great platform to expose my work and yourself to the art industry in South Africa.
Tell us a little about your artistic journey to date.
I started my journey as an artist while I was studying, from 2010 to 2018, after which I started working full-time. It has been a journey of figuring out how to make a living while pursuing what I enjoy most. Things have slowly been building, and I’m now grateful to have opportunities to exhibit with different galleries, with some also beginning to show an interest in working with me.
Who or what has had the greatest influence on you as an artist, and how has that influence shaped your work?
I think there are a number of aspects that have impacted my work. Firstly, the studies I have completed, and continue to pursue, have had a significant influence on my work and my thought process. Secondly, the discipline I have developed through balancing my art practice and managing my studio with my job as a schoolteacher has also had a strong influence.
Tell us about the work you submitted. What inspired the piece, and what would you like viewers to understand or take away from it?
The work is created to be reflective. When someone looks at the artwork, I want them to have a sense of being in a place where they can pause, reflect and think about how the past has contributed to the way we live today. I want the work to encourage conversation and invite people to reflect on their own experiences and perspectives.
Tell us about your preferred medium or materials.
My use of charcoal started with my love of drawing, but it has also developed through exploring the medium and discovering how far I can push it to achieve the desired result. I’m interested in how the qualities and effects of charcoal can enhance the meaning of the artwork and help me express the concept more effectively.
Can you take us behind the creative process of the work you submitted? Was there anything unexpected, challenging or exciting that emerged while making it?
The most exciting aspect of the work for me is the effect of the grass appearing as though it has been burned. I wasn’t sure at first how easily I would be able to express this, but it became an important way of showing how war has affected the landscape.
Which South African artists do you admire and why?
I have number of artists that I look up to. I love Blessing Ngobeni’s work and the playfulness in his work. I am also a fan of Ayanda Mabulu and Brett Murray for the satirical aspects of their work. I love the work of William Kentridge, how he tells a story with animation.
Being selected as a finalist can be an important stepping stone for an emerging artist. What are your hopes and ambitions for your practice beyond the competition.
To get an exhibition opportunities where I could express myself in places where my work could be seen and spoken about even after the show is down.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years and 10 years?
I hope to be one of the South African notable artists and showing my work art fairs and other platforms around the country and internationally.
Any final comments?
I have been waiting and hoping for a long time for the opportunity to have my name among the Top 7. I will always give my best to every opportunity that comes my way. With everything I do, I want to leave an impression. I want my work to be noticed and remembered, rather than the person who created it.
