Today we’d like to introduce you to Sinenkosi Msomi.
Sinenkosi , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started conceptual photography in 2019 while I was a self sponsored student at the University of Eswatini after participating in a group exhibition by Yebo Art Gallery titled Eswatini Now, where I sold 2 artworks and realised that I could make an extra income from my talent since I have no formal training in photography.
From then I started creating in my spare time, taking part in open calls and Aleta Armstrong Co-Founder of Yebo Art Gallery gave me advice to use my art to tackle social issues in my community and I explored that route. I then won the African Union x Afrochampions Social Justice Prize in 2020 which gave me access to financial resources to create more works. It enabled me to unleash my potential.
I have created works on social issues such as discrimination, identity , equality, climate issues and recollection of my childhood memories as well as self expression.
During the past years I have exhibited globally especially in the NFT space with 1macollective, sokarilondon, Afrikin art, Senegal based art gallery Jendalmart amongst others.
My works on climate issues have been featured in anthologies from Unearthodox titled voices of Regeneration based in Switzerland and recently the Global Centre for Climate Mobility Anthology 2026. My works on GBV have also been used by Casa Africa for their Online campaign on GBV.
I also cover works on migration focusing on African diaspora migration where my work titled running home won first prize in the Center of migration studies in Canada.
Through constant research I have been able to create works that show the raw experiences of how certain communities in Eswatini and Africa navigate through everyday hurdles.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been a fruitful journey because through every artwork I am able to fully allow myself to feel. I had long struggled with self-expression and art has enabled me to achieve that by using photography to address so many things that are often difficult to talk about in formal spaces.
Being from Eswatini where art is often seen as a hobby or something to do when one is bored, there is often minimal or little support and as an artist without a job it is often difficult to continue investing in my craft and I often feel that has limited my growth. There is only one art gallery so if that gallery would shut down, many artists like myself would not have a platform to showcase our works and that has pushed me to continue exploring options internationally tapping into markets that appreciate African art.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialise in conceptual photography. I am known for creating artworks that are staged which talk about so many themes such as mental health issues, culture, self expression and social issues.
I am proud that every year, I am to grow with every opportunity that comes regardless of the country that I come from. Having been shortlisted in 3 International competions in 2026 and receiving two creative grants that will enable me to push my work with ease in 2027.
I am able to merge my educational background in business management and marketing to position myself in a very competitive market.
I feel that my work has a distinct style that makes it my own. I am able to take the audience through a journey where they are able to feel my emotions through the emotions of the subjects captured in my art. I always use natural light to ensure that every detail remains as it is from the eyes of the viewer.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was always introverted but able to make conversations and my confidence wasn’t always that high. I have always been a go getter and ambitious. I always believe that I am destined for greater things and that always drives me to greater heights. I was raised in an extended family by my mother and grandmother, that is why there are always elements of recollecting my childhood memories in my work as that ensures that in every path that life takes me I always reflect on where I come from and where I want to be in life.
I have always loved reading as that keeps me informed on most topics and some of those topics end up influencing the direction of my work. I also enjoy listening to music because it drives out every emotion and also inspires some of my work.
My mother is my inspiration, she is a strong independent and educated woman who has influenced my decision to do my MBA degree, I am currently doing my final year. She has taught me to always believe in myself and the importance of continuing the journey as every rejection pushes one towards their destiny. She is joy, inspiring my works, where I have realised just how much happiness, being her name, liberates the soul.
I believe that what is meant for you will always find you and that in life we always have to play our part in the lives of others such as empowering those close to us or those who have the potential to become great.
Pricing:
- My artworks range from $120-250 A3
- A2-$300-600
- Some of my work is available for sale on Yebo art gallery online shop and Sokari london website
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinenkosi_msomii/
