Blessing Blaai, Stained glass wisdom vs folly, Acrylic on canvas, 2024

Born in April 1994 in Johannesburg and raised in Troyeville, Blessing Blaai’s work is deeply informed by the textures, contrasts, and social rhythms of his suburban upbringing. His artistic journey began at 32 Flavours Art Studio, where he learned painting, drawing, printmaking, and a range of other techniques, before undertaking three years of specialised printmaking at Artist Proof Studio in Johannesburg.

Blaai’s practice spans painting, watercolour, and ink, with recent explorations into mixed media. Beyond his conceptual works, he is an accomplished muralist, producing both public and private commissions and contributing to city-commissioned murals.

His portfolio includes contributions to the group exhibition African Mobilities: This Is Not a Refugee Camp and the facilitation of visual art workshops for the Market Foundation at the Windybrow Theatre, engaging children from Hillbrow and surrounding areas.