Siphamandla Ex

Siphamandla “Ex” Oscar Mngwango was born on 12 July 1987 in Vryheid, South Africa. He was raised by his grandmother, whose care and guidance played a formative role in his life and artistic journey. Their close relationship inspired Siphamandla Ex to begin using art as a way to express his thoughts, ideas, and lived experiences. He is currently based in Johannesburg.

Though he never pursued formal education in visual art, Siphamandla Ex has been passionate about drawing since childhood. His dedication and selfdriven approach have led him to collaborate with a variety of artists and host group exhibitions that feature both emerging and established names in the South African art scene. Before committing to art fulltime in 2019, Siphamandla Ex worked as a financial advisor, a career path that brings a unique balance of discipline and vision to his creative practice.

At the heart of Siphamandla Ex’s work is a deep celebration of the Black experience in everyday life. Rather than focusing solely on narratives of struggle and adversity, his art explores the joy, resourcefulness, complexity, and richness of Black identity. He believes that culture does not require grand gestures to be seen—it lives in the daily choices people make about how they present themselves and interact with the world.

Siphamandla Ex works primarily with acrylics, oil paint, and charcoal on canvas. His unique style is characterized by vibrant colour palettes and detailed compositions, reflecting his love for storytelling through powerful visual imagery.

In addition to his individual practice, Siphamandla Ex is the founder of the Siphamandla Ex Foundation, through which he hosts workshops in Northern KwaZulu-Natal. These workshops aim to provide young artists with the tools, mentorship, and inspiration they need to develop their skills and embrace their creative potential.

Through his work, Siphamandla Ex seeks to honour his roots, pay tribute to his grandmother’s influence, and inspire others to explore and express their own creativity. His art connects the personal with the collective, offering an authentic and uplifting perspective on Black life.

Siphamandla Ex is represented by The Artists Gallery in Cape Town.