AKARA x XOLANI
Born and raised in the townships of Cape Town, Xolani Sivundla embodies the spirit of resilience and creativity that defines his community. From a young age, he found his voice through painting, using art as both an escape and a bridge to the wider world. His journey has taken him far beyond the streets where he grew up. With exhibitions in Germany and the United States, Xolani’s work carries the soul of South Africa across continents. Yet, no matter how far he travels, he remains deeply connected to his roots. Through his gallery in Cape Town, he dedicates himself to teaching children from his neighborhood how to paint, express themselves, and believe in the possibility of more. His message is simple, yet powerful: “From dusty streets to the world, we can all make it.”
Xolani is proudly part of the Xhosa tribe, and this identity flows through his work. His art does more than decorate walls; it tells stories of heritage, pride, and perseverance. Nowhere is this more visible than in AMAPHIKO, meaning “wings” in Xhosa.
The piece is a striking portrait of a woman whose gaze immediately commands attention. Her eyes radiate strength, resilience, and unshakable determination. Look closer, and the details reveal more: cracks etched into her skin, symbols of the struggles she has endured. These marks are not flaws but testimonies of survival. They remind us that scars may shape us, but they do not define the first impression we leave on the world.
Above her head rests a halo, a sacred symbol once reserved for saints. By placing it here, Xolani elevates women to their rightful status as pillars of grace, protectors, and carriers of light. The wings stretching from the figure complete the message: women can rise above any circumstance, with nothing holding them down. They can fly as high as they dare to dream.
AMAPHIKO is more than art. It is an ode to fearless women. To daughters, sisters, mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, artists, leaders, caretakers, dreamers, entrepreneurs, healers, and countless others whose names may never appear in history books but whose strength shapes entire generations.
take a closer look at Xolani’s work and connect with him directly on Instagram. Supporting artists like him ensures that stories like these continue to inspire the world.