THAMBA TABVUMA (b. 1981, Kwekwe, Zimbabwe) Johannesburg-based artist Thamba Tabvuma is known for his oil and acrylic paintings, offering an alternative perspective on the portrayal of the African figure.
With a career spanning over two decades, Thamba began as a charcoal and pencil artist before exploring stone sculpture in Harare during the early 2000s. He later transitioned to oil painting, blending these influences to develop a distinctive visual language. His work has been exhibited in South Africa, England, Zimbabwe, Spain, and Norway and is collected worldwide.
Thamba’s art engages with the evolving global narrative on Africa, celebrating African women through images that embody strength, determination, and beauty. His signature style combines traditional oil painting techniques with acrylic-rendered negative space, creating a striking and recognizable aesthetic.