"ILISO LO MOYA": A Reflection of Masonwabe Ntloko's Spiritual Journey


By Lindelwa Masuku

“ILISO LO MOYA” inspired by the richness of his spiritual nuances and Xhosa heritage. 
Masonwabe Ntloko is a talented illustrator, designer, and visual artist who hails from Dutywa, a town in the Eastern Cape. 

On the 23rd of February 2023, he held his much-anticipated solo exhibition, “ILISO LO MOYA'' at The Katmo Gallery in Parkhurst, Johannesburg. The exhibition showcases Masonwabe's mesmerizing creations and unique concepts, giving art lovers an opportunity to admire his artistic prowess.

“ILISO LO MOYA'' at The Katmo Gallery in Parkhurst, Johannesburg.

One of the things that stand out about Masonwabe's work is his great pride in preserving our shared legacy, with a focus on his Xhosa ancestry. 

His art is a reflection of traditional Xhosa life, including the seasons, initiation, matriarchs dressed in traditional garb, and the way many rural households still live today. 

His work is deeply rooted in the Xhosa culture, and he uses his art to celebrate the rich heritage of his people.

Masonwabe's commercial work with brands such as Yogi Sip, Warner Music Africa, Sony Music, Universal Music, the Charlotte Maxeke Institution, Markham, Airloom, the Mandela Legacy, and Rocking the Daisies has given him exposure and a platform to showcase his art to a wider audience. 

He has used his talent to create eye-catching designs and illustrations that capture the essence of these brands.

The title of Masonwabe's solo exhibition, "ILISO LO MOYA," directly translates to "the Eye of the Spirit." The body of work he presented at the exhibition focuses on his spiritual growth and experience of the world around him. It explores themes of identity, transformation, healing, and the power of the human spirit.

The exhibition was a success, and attendees were captivated by Masonwabe's unique style and interpretation of his culture. His use of vibrant colours and intricate designs to depict everyday life in the Xhosa community was nothing short of awe-inspiring. 

“ILISO LO MOYA'' at The Katmo Gallery in Parkhurst, Johannesburg.

The exhibition gave Masonwabe an opportunity to showcase his artistry and share his personal experiences with the world. He continues his journey of telling spiritually rich stories rooted in culture and heritage through his art.

Masonwabe Ntloko's solo exhibition, "ILISO LO MOYA," was a testament to his artistic prowess and his commitment to preserving his culture. 

His art celebrates the rich heritage of his people and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our shared legacy. His commercial work with various brands has given him a platform to showcase his talent, and his solo exhibition was a resounding success. 

Masonwabe Ntloko is an artist to watch out for, and we can't wait to see what he has in store for us in the future.


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Masonwabe Ntloko

"ILISO LO MOYA"

Spiritual Journey

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