Sizwe Khoza

Sizwe Khoza, born in Mozambique in 1990, is a distinguished contemporary South African visual artist. He moved to South Africa in 1995, a transition that deeply shaped his artistic identity. Khoza studied at Nkumbulo Comprehensive School and later at Artist Proof Studio (2010–2012), where he developed a passion for printmaking.

His early work drew on archival and personal photographs of Mozambican women, blending portraiture, cultural memory, and social commentary. He frequently travels to Mozambique for research, and his themes often explore identity and power, sometimes using chess metaphorically. Initially focused on monotype printmaking, Khoza now works in drypoint, linoleum, silkscreen, and painting. He is known for vibrant portraits of women in traditional head wraps and a recurring character named “James.” His series The Head Wraps Conversations celebrates African heritage, femininity, and cultural pride.

In 2013, Khoza undertook a residency at the William Humphrey Art Gallery under Dumisani Mabaso and later mentored students at Artist Proof Studio. He has exhibited widely in South Africa and internationally, winning first prize at the 2019 Thami Mnyele Fine Arts Awards. Highlights include a 2020 solo exhibition at Boston Arts Academy, the Ampersand Foundation Fellowship, a 2023 residency in New York, and a 2025 solo exhibtion The People & I, In Contemplation at Keys Art Mile. His works are in major corporate collections, including Rand Merchant Bank and Hollard Insurance.

Khoza is represented by The Artists Gallery in Cape Town.