Mxolisi Hlekiso (1996) is a multidisciplinary artist that was born and raised in Emalahleni (Kwa-
Guqa),Mpumalanga, South Africa. He is currently based in the city of Johannesburg, while completing his
studies as a printmaker at Artist Proof Studio (APS). Hlekiso specializes in drawing, painting, sculpting, and
printmaking. In 2024, Hlekiso began his printmaking studies at APS where he is currently completing his third
year, specializing in etching.
The themes of lineage, spirituality, identity, mental health as well the effect of individualism are explored in
his most work. He strives to uncover the buried layers of South African history, which, in his opinion and
research, is mostly political oppression and the abuse of power. Hlekiso explores this concept through
etching, representing land erosion due to mining natural resou