The 2Roads Art Foundation's Gallery on the Greens Residency, now in its second year, has brought together four talented artists to develop new bodies of work and gain practical skills to navigate the art market. Mzwanele "Rez Inyanzi" Tshishonga, Thulani Gankca, Mpendulo Nkabinde, and Shandré Lummis were selected for the eight-week programme, which provides mentorship, studio space, and industry exposure. The residency is responding to a growing demand for artist-development opportunities, having attracted over 200 applications for its inaugural programme in 2025.
The residency is set along the tranquil banks of the Vaal River at The Other Road in Meyerton, south of Johannesburg. The quartet of artists follows in the footsteps of the inaugural cohort of Sibusiso Molwantwa, Lemé Arends, Alfred Kitsi, and Victor Eniola. As the residency draws to a close, the artists are preparing to showcase their collections at a public exhibition followed by an art auction. The programme aims to bridge the gap between creative talent and sustainable careers.
Mzwanele "Rez Inyanzi" Tshishonga, a 34-year-old ceramist, researcher, and educator, says the residency has allowed him to detach from his environment and focus on creating new work. Tshishonga's work is rooted in African folklore and ancestral beliefs about water, spirituality, healing, and the passing down of cultural knowledge. He drew inspiration from the nearby Vaal River, creating clay sculptures that explore the connection between water and cultural heritage.
Thulani Gankca, a self-taught artist, painter, and printmaker, grew up between Thokoza in Gauteng and eNgcobo village in the Eastern Cape. His work explores culture and identity through art, drawing on his contrasting urban and rural upbringing. Gankca's latest body of work, titled "Wisdom Keepers," draws inspiration from trees as guardians of history and ancestral wisdom, exploring the connection between nature, cultural memory, and the passing of knowledge across generations.
The residency has provided Gankca with the opportunity to slow down and appreciate the natural world. He believes that growth can sometimes be slow, but it does not mean it's not happening. Gankca's work is inspired by the many kinds of tree species surrounding the Vaal River area, which he sees as silent witnesses and keepers of wisdom.
The Gallery on the Greens residency is a much-needed opportunity for local artists, according to Tshishonga. He notes that there aren't many local residencies, and artists often have to look abroad for meaningful creative development. The programme has given Tshishonga and his fellow artists the chance to network and connect with industry stakeholders, which is essential for their careers.
The artists' work will be showcased at a public exhibition and art auction, providing them with a platform to launch their careers. The Gallery on the Greens residency is a significant initiative that supports emerging artists in South Africa, providing them with the skills, mentorship, and exposure they need to succeed in the art world.
Key points
- The 2Roads Art Foundation's Gallery on the Greens Residency provides emerging artists with mentorship, studio space, and industry exposure.
- Four artists were selected for the 2026 residency programme to develop new bodies of work and gain practical skills.
- The residency aims to bridge the gap between creative talent and sustainable careers for local artists in South Africa.
