Xolela is a Cape Town-born visual artist currently residing in Johannesburg specializing in emotive prints, patterns, and art. 

Her artwork is heavily influenced by South African textiles, patterns, and symbolism, which she uses to express her interpretation of the human condition. The main objective of her work is to express emotions that one might not be able to explain or describe.

She draws inspiration from the Ndebele and Xhosa cultures which are known for their creative expression through storytelling, music, dance, vibrant traditional clothing, and their strong tradition of sharing history, values, and lessons through spoken word and poetry.  

Her signature style predominantly features black and white, yet she has a deep appreciation for color palettes that mirror the natural environment she grew up in the rural Eastern Cape. In most of her creations, she skilfully incorporates lines, curves, and geometric shapes to convey her unique artistic vision. Particularly, she holds a fondness for the triangle, as it symbolizes to her partnership, power, and balance. Each piece she produces becomes an expression of Africa’s rich heritage and a reflection of the beauty she finds in her everyday surroundings.  

Her artistic talent is evident in how she seamlessly melds these influences with her distinctive style, creating works that transcend the visual realm to emotionally connect with those who behold them. Her art is a celebration of Africa’s diversity and cultural richness, bringing a touch of uniqueness to South Africa’s art scene.