The Dealr

NTANDO MABALEKA

WHO AM I

Ntando is a self-taught South African portrait artist from Tlokoeng, Eastern Cape, known for creating highly detailed graphite and mixed-media portraits that emphasize emotion, particularly through the eyes of his subjects.

ARTWORKS 

Biography

He spent his formative years in a small rural town called Tlokoeng in the Eastern Cape province. It was during this time that his passion for drawing began to emerge at a very young age. Inspired by his older brothers—Abongile, Tshepang, Nkosivumile, and Nkosinathi—who were skilled at pencil sketching around 2009, Ntando began developing his own artistic abilities. During his primary school years, he was further influenced by his peers, who introduced him to more structured and realistic styles of drawing, moving beyond cartoon forms. Although the early focus was on linework and minimal shading, this period laid the foundation for his evolving visual language.
In high school, Ntando honed his skills further, exploring advanced shading and blending techniques. In late 2018, he was introduced to the grid method, a vital technique for proportion and alignment in realistic portraiture. Over the years, Ntando has used his artwork as a means to tell compelling stories, express critique, spark humor, and communicate love—all without formal training in fine arts.
In 2020, his journey as a commissioned artist began. He started by creating portraits of teachers who had a significant impact on his academic and personal growth. Their appreciation and support led to his first sales.
Soon, family members and local community members began placing their own orders. This growing recognition gave birth to the brand Mtshivo’s Art, which rapidly gained attention through word-of-mouth and social media.
Every stroke of his pencil is intentional—his work is deeply focused on capturing the emotion in the eyes of his subjects, aiming to engage and communicate with the viewer on a visual and emotional level, without needing to be overly explained. His art is not only a representation of what he sees, but a reflection of what he feels and wishes to share with the world.

In 2021, Ntando began his tertiary studies while simultaneously advancing his artistic journey. He strategically focused on creating portraits of well-known South African celebrities, using these works to gain exposure and connect with a broader audience. This self-driven marketing approach proved successful, as it increased his visibility and helped fund the purchase of professional art supplies—supporting both his artistic growth and financial independence.
That same year, his work gained further recognition when he was commissioned to create illustrations for a book titled Ebe re aha Afrika Borwa ejoang? authored by Khotso Ramaipato and published by the Eastern Cape Department of Education. This was a pivotal moment in his career, leading to an influx of commissions and attention from across South Africa—and even internationally, with one notable commission from a client in Namibia.
His momentum continued into 2023, when he was commissioned by Bathu Footwear, one of South Africa’s most influential sneaker brands, to produce a custom artwork. This was followed by a painting for MOFAYA, a leading South African energy drink brand. Later that year, Ntando was approached by OM Films, a major player in the South African film industry, to produce a large-scale commissioned piece measuring 1.2 x 1.6 meters.
In 2024, his reputation continued to grow as he created two artworks for Nelson Mandela University and later delivered a striking portrait of Tshekisho Solomon Plaatje for Sol Plaatje University—a work that was widely praised for its detail and emotional resonance.
In 2025, Ntando collaborated with MaXhosa Africa, a globally recognized South African luxury fashion brand, producing two original pieces that celebrated African identity and craftsmanship. These commissions further solidified his standing as a respected contemporary artist.
Though he has not yet participated in formal exhibitions, Ntando’s mission has always been clear: to create meaningful commissioned artworks that bring life to stories, inspire emotion, and spread love. His practice remains rooted in the belief that art can be both a livelihood and a powerful form of connection.
Currently, he is working on an ongoing series titled “The Nubian Collection” — a deeply symbolic body of work that explores the spiritual and cultural relationship between humans and cattle. Inspired by the traditions of South Sudan, this collection reflects on the intrinsic bond between people and nature, using portraiture and symbolism to evoke a sense of unity, reverence, and ancestral wisdom.

Mabaleka00@gmail.com