Adullam Art - Artists for Justice, Justice for Artists
We are committed to ensuring artists receive justice by identifying opportunities for them to derive long-term benefits from their creations. We also aim to establish a platform where artists can collaborate to advocate for justice within our communities.

Seed Capital Appeal
(Be a Catalyst in Adullam Art's Inception)

​Innovative Business Model

Adullam Art introduces a unique model that blends art rentals with subscription services:

Art Rental and Subscription Services: A dynamic and flexible way to enjoy art. Our subscribers can regularly rotate their art selection, bringing fresh and inspiring works into their spaces. This service caters to both corporate and private collectors, providing an ever-changing array of artworks.
Digital Art Gallery and Marketplace: Discover and purchase diverse artworks from our curated collection, featuring pieces from various artists, including Velaphi Kumwenda.
Sustainable Royalties via Smart Contracts: Leveraging blockchain technology to ensure ongoing benefits for artists, fostering a sustainable ecosystem.
Nonprofit Ownership for Community Impact: Operated by "Ordinary Activists," profits from Adullam Art support both artists and community initiatives.

​We aim to raise R 80,000.
R 40,000 for a crucial framing business acquisition which will elevate our art
R 40,000 for start up expenses

The Journey of Velaphi Kumwenda: A Tale of Resilience and Talent
Velaphi Kumwenda is the artistic director of Adullam Art. He embodies both our vision to struggle for justice and is a model of resilience.. His involvement with us began when he helped us create a artistic tombstone for a friend who died in a Brutal xenophobic attack - Dido Mbo Abala, demonstrating the profound impact art can have in healing and promoting dignity in communities.

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How you can help

Join Our Seed Capital Initiative
Here’s how you can contribute:
Art Purchases: Explore and purchase artworks from our gallery, especially those by Velaphi Kumwenda. For purchases, please contact Nigel at 074 906 6777. Note that prices exclude packaging and shipment costs.
Donations: Every contribution, regardless of size, is invaluable in helping us achieve our goals.
Loans: We welcome financial backing and are committed to responsible repayment.

How to Support Us:
For purchases, loans, or donations, contact Nigel (0749066777 or [email protected]) or deposit your contribution into the following account:
Bank: FNB/RMB
Account Holder: Ordinary Activist Npc
Account Type: Gold Business Account
Account Number: 63081691355
Branch Code: 250655

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We present to you various collections so you can chose how you would like to contribute. Please contact Nigel (0749066777 or [email protected]) when you are ready to Buy, Loan or Donate towards this important project.

​Matchbox Story Collection: Capturing Moments for R 200 to R 500 Each

Tiny Canvases, Immense Narratives
​The Story Behind the Matchbox Collection: In the Matchbox Story collection, each piece is a portal to a larger narrative, ingeniously confined within the dimensions of a matchbox. Priced from R 250, these miniature artworks are more than just visual pieces; they are snippets of life, emotion, and experience, meticulously crafted to offer a glimpse into diverse stories and perspectives. Velaphi Kumwenda's skillful artistry turns these small canvases into powerful storytellers, revealing that profound expressions of art don't necessarily need grand scales. This collection invites you to hold a piece of a larger tale, a segment of a vivid journey, in the palm of your hand.

​Saving money
​5 x 3,5cm

Matchbox001
​(R 250)

GBV
​​5 x 3,5cm

 Matchbox002​
​(R 250)

Mushrooms
​​5 x 3,5cm

Matchbox003​
​(R 325)

The Lion is Free
​​5 x 3,5cm

​Matchbox004
​​(R 300)

Moms Secret
​5 x 3,5cm

​Matchbox005
​​(R 500)

Crime
​​5 x 3,5cm

​Matchbox006
​​(R 400)

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Electricity
5 x 3.5cm​

​Matchbox007
​​(R 325)

Pumpkin
5 x 3.5cm​

​Matchbox008
​​(R 250)

The Prayer
5 x 3.5cm​

​Matchbox009
​​(R 500)

Our Father
5 x 3.5cm​

​Matchbox010
​​(R 450)

Water
5 x 3.5cm​

​Matchbox011
​​(R 250)

ArtistStar Map
5 x 3.5cm​

​Matchbox012
​​(R 350)

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Love
​5 x 3,5cm

​Matchbox013
​​(R 250)

Mkukhu
​5 x 3,5cm

​Matchbox014
​​(R 250)

Staple Diet
​5 x 3,5cm

​Matchbox015
​​(R 250)

​Ubuntu
​5 x 3,5cm

​Matchbox016
​​(R 250)

The Lion is Free
​5 x 3,5cm

​Matchbox017
​​(R 250)

Community Garden
​5 x 3,5cm

​Matchbox018
​​(R 250)

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Handsign Collection: Expressions on Fabriano Paper for R 1050 to 1600 Each

Art that Speaks through Signatures of the HandAbout the Handsign Collection: The Handsign Collection features a series of 14 unique drawings, each artfully created on 30 x 13 cm Fabriano paper. Priced at R 1200 each, these pieces were born from offcuts obtained from a friend working at William Kentridge's studio, adding a touch of artistic lineage to their origin. This collection is a tribute to the power of the human hand as a tool for communication, change, and creativity. Each drawing in the collection is not just a depiction but a statement – a handsign – symbolizing how we can use our hands for constructive transformation and justice in Africa and beyond. Velaphi Kumwenda harnesses the simplicity of the hand's form to convey complex messages about unity, healing, and the potential for positive change in our world.

​False equivalence
​15 x 30 cm

HandSign001
​(R 1250)

​Shoot love
​15 x 30 cm

​HandSign002
​(R 1200)

​Loadshedding
​15 x 18 cm

​HandSign003​
​(R 1050)

​End Poverty
​15 x 30 cm

​HandSign004​
SOLD

Breaking Xenophobia
​15 x 30 cm

​HandSign005​
​(R 1200)

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​Number 1 in the world
​15 x 30 cm

HandSign006
​(R 1600)

World peace is in our hands
​15 x 30 cm

HandSign007
​(R 1600)

​Amandla for the dogs
​15 x 30 cm

HandSign008
​(R 1600)​

Nothing wrong with being an African
​15 x 30 cm

HandSign009
​(R 1600)​

unGender
​Africa
​15 x 30 cm

HandSign010
​(R 1600)​

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My culture
​15 x 30 cm

Handsign 011​
​(R 1600)

Loving me
​15 x 25cm

Handsign 012​
​(R 1500)

I stand with Uganda
​15 x 30 cm

Handsign 013​
​(R 1600)

Born Gay in Africa
​15 x 30 cm

Handsign 014​
​(R 1600)

Caroline: Stories of Johannesburg for R 2000 to R 7000 Each

Portraits in Mixed Media: Unveiling Hidden Lives
​About the Caroline and Joe Collection: This collection, consisting of artworks and priced at R 2000 to R 7000 each, dives deep into the urban tales of Johannesburg through two compelling characters: Caroline and Joe.

Caroline: Created with mixed media, including acrylic and color markers, Caroline represents the untold story of many young women in Johannesburg. Her portrait, vibrant with colors and a split face, symbolizes the masks these women wear to hide their true selves, driven by the fear of societal judgment. Caroline, an alias used to protect loved ones, works in secrecy, her identity and origins shrouded in mystery. With one eye always vigilant and the other obscured by her wig, her red lips signify the perilous allure of a woman forced to navigate a harsh, unforgiving world.

Joe: Joe's portrait, also crafted in mixed media, reflects the life of labouring men in Johannesburg. The name 'Joe' was often assigned during apartheid when original names were deemed too difficult by employers. Joe symbolises every male body without an identity, a 'Jondo' in society's eyes. The lines and patterns across his face represent the dual aspects of his persona, alternating between masks of falsehood and truth depending on the needs of the moment.
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In this collection, Velaphi Kumwenda captures the essence of these two archetypes, Caroline and Joe, revealing the complex layers of identity and survival in the urban landscape of Johannesburg. Each piece is not just a portrait, but a narrative that invites contemplation on the realities hidden beneath the surface in every city.

Caroline (Sold)
51x41 cm

CarolineAndJoe001​
​Sold

Stateless Caroline
​30 x 40cm

​CarolineAndJoe005
​R 1800

Distracted Joe
​​59 x 32 cm

​CarolineAndJoe009
​R 4000

Caroline Aunt
​51x41 cm

​CarolineAndJoe002
R 2000

Caroline in Gaza
24 x 30cm

​CarolineAndJoe006
​Donation to Gaza R 1500

Caroline Nun
​97x57cm

​CarolineAndJoe010
​R 7000

Caroline mamncane
​51x41 cm

​CarolineAndJoe003
​R 2000

Joe 2024
​50 x 40cm

​CarolineAndJoe007
R 2500

About to be balanced Joe
​​59 x 32 cm

​CarolineAndJoe011
​R 4000

Caroline Greenhand
​51x41 cm

​CarolineAndJoe004
​R 2000

Goust baby
​80x30cm

Ghost Baby is a mixed media piece using acrylic paint and color markers. The idea for Ghost Baby was inspired by the images in the late Credo Mutwa's books, particularly those about the Nguni symbols, with this piece representing future generations. It explores the concept of bringing these symbols into contemporary times, personified through the character of Caroline. The artwork touches on the sensitive issues of child abuse and the reality that some women face with abortion. The lines in the piece symbolize the yin and yang of love, often unspoken and deeply felt, especially in the aftermath of leaving the clinic.

​CarolineAndJoe008
​R 7000

​Stories Collection

A Collection of Distinct Narratives by Velaphi Kumwenda
About Velaphi Kumwenda's Singular Stories Collection:
​In the Singular Stories Collection, Velaphi Kumwenda presents a series of individually crafted pieces, each with its own unique story and individually priced. This collection is a showcase of Kumwenda's versatility and ability to draw inspiration from a variety of themes and experiences, creating standalone masterpieces that each narrate a different tale.
These artworks represent a divergence from Kumwenda's other collections, emphasizing his skill in weaving unique stories through each piece. Every artwork is a canvas of individual expression, rich with its own set of emotions, themes, and artistic styles. The collection invites art lovers to explore a diverse range of narratives, each piece offering a distinct glimpse into Kumwenda's creative mind. The Singular Stories Collection stands as a testament to the artist's dedication to telling compelling stories that resonate on a personal level with the viewer, making each piece a valuable and unique acquisition.

Dreams
84 x 70 cm 

Dreams" is a creation that holds a special place in my heart, a unique piece combining paints and crayons on materials I discovered in the streets, repurposed to capture something far deeper. This artwork is my venture into the profound and mystical world of ancestral connections, a journey brought to life through the realm of dreams. It's an exploration of heritage and memory, encapsulating the elusive threads that link us to our past.
The inspiration for "Dreams" blossomed from an intimate conversation with my wife, Busi. As she recounted her vivid dreams, I was captivated by the way she regularly encountered her grandparents in these nocturnal experiences. These were not mere dreams; they were spiritual voyages, anchoring her to a rich ancestral bloodline. This revelation of dreams as bridges between generations inspired me to capture their essence on canvas. Through "Dreams," I seek to portray the profound encounters of Busi with her ancestors, translating these spiritual connections into visual narratives.

​Stories001
​R 7500

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The Green Mile
​50x30cm

The Green Mile is the latest image I enjoyed creating, using media I am fond of: pen and markers. In the late 70s, as a child, I was introduced to an ink pen by my mother. Without access to paint, the pen became my preferred tool as a fine artist to express emotions. Scrap paper, readily available in our cities, served as my canvases. However, creating 'The Green Mile' on cloth, I found, was much more exciting than on paper.

'The Green Mile' refers to death row, a term used in America. This concept struck me when I watched a documentary on death row. It presented an image of the choices many of us make in life. The first drug for most is alcohol, and when driven by negative emotions, people often seek stronger substances. This leads them down a path of sin, metaphorically making them a 'dead man walking' the Green Mile in the streets.

Stories004
​R 1250

Mirror
50x30cm

​Pen and markers on cloth, titled 'Mirror'. How often have we been told to go look in the mirror? I believe that most of us look in the mirror mainly to please others. There comes a day when you gaze into the mirror of your soul, and you see the real you. The truth always hurts, especially when you've spent your life looking in the mirror to please others. But when you start to appreciate and love the image created by God, less needs to be said. Did you look in the mirror today?

​Stories002
​R 2250

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Breathing
50x30cm

Stories005
​R 2250

On a 50x30 cloth canvas, covered in paint and detailed with pen and markers, "Breathing" depicts the plight of disenfranchised men in Johannesburg. These men, dressed in ragged clothes, forage from waste and wander aimlessly, representing those who've lost their societal identity.
The central figure, 'Joe,' symbolizes these forgotten individuals. Without an ID, in life he's unnoticed, and in death, becomes 'John Doe' - an anonymous presence. This piece explores their pain and mental struggles, often leading to isolation from societal norms.
In African cultures, where showing emotion is often stigmatized, 'Joe' embodies the burden of men who hide their pain. This artwork is a poignant reminder of their daily battle for basic needs, emphasizing themes of neglect, mental health, and human dignity.

Radio my friend​
50x30cm

Radio, My Friend. Pen and markers on cloth. This artwork was created during a time when I was unafraid to embrace the love of Jesus. It includes a few elements with the cross, but it primarily focuses on the radio.

The radio has been a lifelong friend, enlightening me about social events. A significant story from the 70s that caught my attention was the death of Steve Biko, a freedom activist. In old South Africa, the radio often instilled fear in me. However, in the 90s, as freedom dawned, the radio became my guide. I had neither a television nor a home to place one, but the radio was there, teaching me how to vote in '94. By 2010, it was showing me how to use the internet. While a cellphone might be more advanced, I believe a smartphone without a radio function is incomplete. With the radio, I don't need data to stream blogs or music. What I cherish most about the radio is the way I still imagine the voice emanating from the box, just like in my childhood. This image brings me to a relaxing state of mind, reminding me that I have a friend.

​Stories003
R 2250

Cities Collection

Experience the essence of Velaphi Kumwenda's artistic journey in our Cities Collection. Here, artworks priced above R 10,000 are the artist’s premier creations, showcasing his most extensive and detailed works that embody the pinnacle of his skill and creative vision.​

Johannesburg
129 x 138cm

Cities001
R 55,000

This artwork is my personal view of a city I consider more a large town than the cities depicted in international media. Despite never having traveled abroad, I am proud that Johannesburg is known as the world's largest man-made forest.
I won't delve into the history of Johannesburg as a century-old gold town. Instead, I'll share my personal connection with the city, beginning from my childhood in 1972.
Johannesburg, as I depict it on canvas, is a web of interconnected lives. From Soweto in the South to Sandton in the North, everyone is linked, despite the stark contrast between the township's million-dollar homes and cardboard houses in Sandton. The changes in government have widened the gap between rich and poor, making Johannesburg a survival of the fittest. This city, my birthplace, is a melting pot of cultures, races, and nationalities, all interconnected in the Johannesburg web.
The COVID-19 lockdown brought this web into sharper focus, turning the streets into ghost towns and giving me time to reflect and draw my emotions about Johannesburg. The city wakes early, with people from all corners connecting in shared taxis, where Zulu is the lingua franca. In the Central Business District, interactions occur in Pakistani gadget shops and Nigerian fashion stores, illustrating Johannesburg's cultural tapestry. This diversity is reflected in every aspect of life, from employment opportunities to fashion and personal grooming.The COVID-19 lockdown brought this web into sharper focus,
Through 'Johannesburg', I portray the vibrancy of a city where, despite hate and xenophobia, people of different cultures, religions, and backgrounds come together, sharing the same air and aspirations. The canvas is a testament to our shared humanity, highlighting that, despite our differences, we are one. It's a reminder that in times of crisis, like lockdowns, our need for each other intensifies. Johannesburg, a microcosm of Africa and the world, shows that love and unity can transcend all barriers.

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Cape Town
​152 x 101cm

Cities003
​R 20,000

Mixed media paint, plastic, and paper on canvas. Cape Town, in the Western Cape, is a town where I stayed for six months. It was shocking to hear the derogatory k-word used openly in the streets by some. As a black man, this made me feel unwelcome. However, out of this darkness, I felt compelled to make the canvas surface black. Despite this, one can't help but see the beauty of the Western Cape. Most lines had to be in white, symbolising that the use of the k-word stems from ignorance and fear, much like xenophobia. I was aware of the ships, witnessing the Cape, and the making of castles, all contributing to the rich South African history for both black and white people. I could feel how money was a driving force, the rand fluctuating, with memories of the pound still strong as political stages pulled the puppet strings. Overall, I love Cape Town; it's one of our unique African cities.

Durban
119 x 120cm

Cities002
​R 35,000

Durban image created from waste. 'Upcycle' is the best term to use. The Durban piece was made on a board left over from a movie set. The surface, covered with sand, was ideal for evoking the beach atmosphere. It felt like a childhood dream of building a sand castle. As in all my works, the marker and Tipp-Ex were used to express my emotions about North Beach in Durban.
For me, Durban symbolizes holiday freedom; in fact, it's the only place I can afford to visit. Going to Durban isn't just for holidays; my mother was born there, so it's also a time to visit family. That being said, one can imagine that each line drawn was a release of a flood of memories.
I have witnessed Durban change numerous times. The change I enjoyed the most was the abolishment of racial segregation, allowing me to explore the entire beach without fear. The best times were New Year's celebrations with family members. We would have a sleepover and return home on the afternoon of January 1st. It felt like time-traveling to the future. The events that took place were some of the highlights.
As years passed, I realized that this wasn't just about me or the sea alone. Many people meet on the beach in Durban; it's a landmark in its own right. When you talk about North Beach to most people, there's hardly any need to explain.
When creating 'Durban', I didn't want to simply make a photographic image. I wanted to make you feel the events, the drinks, food, and culture that I've experienced in Durban, which I know we all perceive through our own unique perspectives. The Indian Ocean brings us the spice and heat, and sadly, we destroy the sea that inspires us. This was another sentiment I had to convey in the colours I chose. I hope you enjoy the image.

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Borders
70 x 84 cm

Cities004
​R 12,500

​ Mixed media of paints and crayons. 'Border Line' is one of my early images, capturing the sense of cause and hope in the city for a better life. Satellites in the sky symbolise new changes and the act of spying in the name of safety and power.