ZANELE MONTLE

After completing her matric with a distinction in Art in 2010, Zanele Montle moved to Gauteng and enrolled for a National Diploma in Visual Arts at the University of Johannesburg. She completed her National Diploma in Applied Arts in 2013 and in 2014 graduated with a BTech Degree in Applied Arts at Tshwane University of Technology.

Zanele Montle is very passionate about art education. In 2019, she obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with a specialisation in Art from the University of Johannesburg. Between 2016 and 2018 Montle acquired skills in Graphic Design, Gallery Management and Marketing. While her current work has a strong sense of design elements in its effortless approach of articulating its subject matter in vivid colours, a familiarity with her concept at this point in her artistic practice, reveals a continuous questioning of what defines black identity through her depiction of everyday life activities in acrylics.

Montle’s art evolved significantly over the years. Her early work was characterised by powerful self-portraits that challenged stereotypes and conventions. These striking images revealed the artist’s deep connection with her heritage and a compelling narrative about the intersections of gender, race, and identity. Her use of bold colours and intricate textures added a layer of complexity to her art. As her career progressed, Montle’s work started incorporating a wide range of media, including sculptures, installations and performance art. This diversified approach allowed her to explore new dimensions of storytelling, offering viewers immersive and multi-sensory experiences.