In reflecting on Periphery, Gift Dlamini spoke about his use of newspaper as canvas, a material once on the margins of his practice that became central to his voice. Through portraits and animals, he captures spirit, story and our connection to nature.
For fine artist Gift Dlamini, creativity has always been rooted in resilience and resourcefulness. Early in his career, when traditional canvases were out of reach, he turned to stacks of newspaper he found under his bed. What began as a necessity soon became a signature style—painting with acrylics on newspaper, layering stories of everyday life into each work.
Dlamini’s practice is centred on portraits and animals, capturing not only likeness but also the spirit that resides within his subjects. His portraits are intimate and human, while his animal studies reflect his passion for nature and its profound role in grounding and guiding us. Through his work, he reminds us of the healing and transformative power of reconnecting with the natural world.
This connection to people and nature resonates deeply with the theme of Periphery. Newspapers, once at the edge of his practice, became central to his art. Likewise, his subjects—whether people often overlooked or the animals we take for granted—step out from the margins and into focus. In Dlamini’s hands, the periphery becomes a place of meaning, where spirit and story are honoured.
His work invites viewers to pause, reflect, and rediscover the beauty of what might otherwise be overlooked; whether in society, in nature, or in ourselves.