Inside Kutlwano Monyai’s Powerful Debut Exhibition That Has Johannesburg Talking
‘Dakalo – The Ultimate Gift’ Opens at Gallery MOMO, Inviting Visitors on a Journey Through Grief, Healing and Joy
By Everyday Mzansi | Arts & Culture
JOHANNESBURG – Emotion filled the rooms of Gallery MOMO in Rosebank as guests gathered for the official opening of Dakalo – The Ultimate Gift, the debut solo exhibition by 2024 Absa L’Atelier Art Ambassador Kutlwano Monyai.
The exhibition, which officially opened on 17 July, marks a defining moment in the young artist’s career and celebrates the transformative impact of the prestigious Absa L’Atelier Art Award, one of Africa’s longest-running visual arts development programmes.
Running until 29 August 2026, the exhibition invites visitors to experience an emotionally charged collection that explores grief, resilience and the healing power of human connection.
More Than an Art Exhibition
Rather than presenting joy as a destination, Monyai uses Dakalo—the Tshivenda word for “joy” or “happiness”—to explore it as an ongoing journey.
Through sculptures and installations crafted from polyethylene, concrete, wood and crocheted materials, the Johannesburg-based artist transforms everyday objects into deeply personal narratives that speak about memory, trauma and hope.
Each piece encourages visitors to reflect on their own experiences while recognising the strength communities find in rebuilding after loss.
“I Wanted People to Relate to the Work”
Speaking during the exhibition opening, Monyai said seeing visitors connect with her work was one of the most rewarding moments of her artistic journey.
“It is great to see people relate to the work,” she said.
She explained that the exhibition is rooted in the shared experiences of grief, healing and joy found within families and communities.
“What is at the heart of this work are the experiences of grief and healing and joy, and what that looks like from a point of home in our communities.”
Those themes are woven throughout the exhibition, where fractured forms gradually evolve into symbols of renewal, demonstrating that healing is rarely straightforward but always possible.
A Celebration of Emerging South African Talent
Senior Art and Museum Curator at Absa Group, Dr Paul Bayliss, praised Monyai’s ability to transform difficult emotions into meaningful artistic expression.
He described Dakalo – The Ultimate Gift as a powerful reminder that grief can become a pathway to empathy, healing and human connection.
“Monyai courageously explores the coexistence of grief and joy,” said Dr Bayliss.
“Through her work, she reminds us that joy is often discovered not in the absence of suffering, but through our ability to rebuild, reconnect and imagine new possibilities together.”
Dr Bayliss also highlighted the importance of the Absa L’Atelier Art Programme, saying it continues to create meaningful opportunities that accelerate the careers of emerging African artists through mentorship, exhibitions and international exposure.
An Artist on the Rise
Born in 1996, Kutlwano Monyai has steadily established herself as one of South Africa’s most exciting contemporary artists.
The Johannesburg-based artist, scholar and independent curator has exhibited at institutions including the Pretoria Art Museum, Bag Factory Artists’ Studios, Turbine Art Fair and Modern Arts Projects South Africa.
Her appointment as a 2024 Absa L’Atelier Art Ambassador represents another major milestone in a career defined by thoughtful experimentation and socially conscious storytelling.
Experience Dakalo Before It Closes
As the Absa L’Atelier Art Programme celebrates four decades of supporting African creativity, Monyai’s debut exhibition stands as a powerful example of how investing in emerging artists enriches South Africa’s cultural landscape.
Visitors still have the opportunity to experience Dakalo – The Ultimate Gift, which remains open to the public until 29 August 2026 at Gallery MOMO in Rosebank.
Admission is free.
Exhibition Details
Exhibition: Dakalo – The Ultimate Gift
Artist: Kutlwano Monyai
Venue: Gallery MOMO, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Dates: 18 July – 29 August 2026
Admission: Free
