“It’s like electricity: busy, loud, colourful,” says visual artist Cinthia Sifa Mulanga, describing the cultural diversity of Johannesburg: city she’s called home for almost 20 years. “There are people from around the world – by the time you’ve walked from one set of traffic lights to the next, you’ve already heard three different languages.”
Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Cinthia moved to Johannesburg with her family in 2006 during the conflict between the DRC and Rwanda. “It was hectic, and because my grandmother is Congolese and my grandfather is from Rwanda, it was like being tossed between different places,” she says. “As soon as my mum had the opportunity to build a life in South Africa, she sold everything we had so that we could move.”
Cinthia continues to live with her family in Randburg, 20 minutes from Johannesburg’s bustling central business district, where she’s close enough to stay connected to the city’s creative hubs, from 44 Stanley and Keyes Art Mile to Braamfontein. “Some of my favourite memories growing up here are walking back from high school with my friends and chilling on Ghandi Square, especially on Fridays when artists would come to sing and perform.”
Besides its mining history and thriving business sector, today Johannesburg has an eminent art scene. Maboneng, meaning ‘place of light’ in Sotho (one of the 12 official languages in South Africa), is often considered the centre of creative energy, with a hub of galleries, artist studios, restaurants, theatres and a lively Sunday market. “I went there lots when I was studying at the city’s Institute of Printmaking, visiting artist studios like August House and Ellis House,” says Cinthia.
However, the artsy district of Rosebank is her latest stomping ground. “It has major galleries and public art, plus a bunch of cool restaurants, a games area, fashion sections and markets,” she says. “I’m still exploring this city. I used to be inside all the time, as I paint from my studio. I also used to hide myself away for fear of judgment, of getting hurt, of the male gaze. Now, as I discover new areas, I’m evolving with some of these places, too.” She adds that while Johannesburg has changed in “both good and bad” ways since she moved there, “there’s more appreciation for art”. Not least for her own, which “speaks about the notions of beauty and how it affects Black women physically and psychologically”.
Cinthia cites the city that raised her as a huge influence, both personally and professionally. She’s constantly inspired by Johannesburg’s sense of expression through style, music and the way people show up in public spaces: “There’s a distinct energy of ambition and self-definition here that feeds into my practice, particularly in how I think about identity, image-making and community.”
After graduating in 2020, she uploaded her work to Johannesburg’s Latitudes online art market and sold out within a week. “They offered to manage and mentor me and from there, my career blossomed.”
Most recently, Cinthia’s work has travelled the globe, as part of exhibition When We See Us, which was conceived at Zeitz MOCAA, Cape Town and has since gone to Kuntsmuseum Basel, Bozar museum Belgium and is currently on show at Liljevalchs Stockholm. “It has been an incredible; a way to see how the work resonates in different spaces,” she says.
What’s next? A solo exhibition is coming to London later this year – one to keep on your radar for. In the meantime, discover her favourite things to do in Johannesburg below...
Cinthia Sifa Mulanga’s Favourite Creative Spaces & Places In Johannesburg
1. Momo Kuro – A cool Asian restaurant on Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank. They have really good small plates; my favourites are the siu mai and kung pow bao.
2. Bottega Cafe – Make sure to visit here while you’re in town. It’s in Parkhurst, just a seven-minutes drive from Keyes Art Mile.
3. NIROX Sculpture Park – This park in Krugersdorp (around a 45-minute drive from Johannesburg) has calming waterfalls and more than 50 art installations. I love the one by Ayana V Jackson.
4. The Braamfontein District – I’m constantly drawn to activations in this area, such as Play Braam and Mamakashakaandfriends: cultural spaces for food, music, creative exchange and conversations. I tend to move through these spaces privately; I enjoy engaging more as an observer.
5. Johannesburg’s Art Fairs – FNB Art JoBurg is Africa’s longest-running contemporary art fair, and definitely worth a visit. (For 2026, it’s on from 4 to 6 September) Another one to add to the list is the RMB Latitudes art fair. The venue still remains the cherry on top!
6. Pantry by Marble – This grocery store and deli is one of those places where you can’t really go wrong with what you order.
7. Northcliff Hill – The views from the second-highest point in Johannesburg are wonderful. I always head there after finalising a body of work to watch the sun set.
Discover Cinthia’s work as part of When We See Us at Liljevalchs, Stockholm, until 30 August
