Powerful Beasts

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Name: Mind Shana
Date of Birth: 25 January 1983
Country of Origin: Zimbabwe
Current Residence: Middelburg, South Africa
Artistic Style: Expressionism
Medium: Acrylic and oil on canvas
Known For: Bold strokes and vibrant colour palette

Artist Statement
Art is not just a reflection of life—it is life refracted through the soul. My work is an honest portrayal of the world as I see it: colourful, bold, spiritual, and unfiltered. Each canvas is a journey of emotion and faith, a conversation between the viewer and the world beyond what we can touch or see.

Biography
Mind Shana is a Zimbabwean-born expressionist artist celebrated for his dynamic brushwork and rich, vivid palette. Born on 25 January 1983, his early years were marked by a deep curiosity and passion for drawing, a love that eventually eclipsed his formal studies in accounting.

After moving to Middelburg, South Africa, and with no formal training, Mind began painting in 2002. By 2003, he had transitioned into a full-time commercial artist. His commitment to his craft and his ability to capture raw, emotional energy on canvas earned him his place in the South African art scene.

Mind’s breakthrough came in 2006 when he participated in the Black Like Us Art Exhibition, marking his evolution into a fine artist. Inspired by life, faith, and the expressive freedom of bold colour, his work draws comparisons to the likes of Makiwa Mutomba, yet remains wholly unique in its spiritual undertones and energetic compositions. His pieces are regularly featured in esteemed galleries across South Africa and continue to captivate collectors and art enthusiasts alike.

Inspiration and Faith
A devout Christian, Mind draws profound inspiration from his faith and often references scripture as a source of motivation and creative direction. Two verses that resonate deeply with him are:

•  “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these
  things.” — Philippians 4:8
• “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” — Colossians 3:23

These words inform not only his artistry but also his approach to life and work.

Mind’s expressionist style is marked by emotional intensity, fearless use of colour, and a sense of spiritual reflection. He believes art should move people—not just visually, but emotionally and spiritually. Through bold strokes and radiant compositions, he seeks to capture both the beauty and complexity of the human experience.