Meet Buhle Ncoco, a South African artist whose work dances between tradition and modernity, one bead at a time. Her African Mask Series (2023), created in collaboration with ArtAid, breathes new life into the timeless artistry of African masks. What began as a spark from an image in her favourite book, Art Africa, evolved into a stunning exploration of identity, spirituality, and craftsmanship. Each piece in the series, from sculptural wall hangings to wearable pouches, reinterprets the power and symbolism of traditional African masks through Buhle’s contemporary lens.

Inspired by the artistry of Benin and the idea of masks as vessels of memory and transformation, Buhle bridges the sacred and the everyday, reminding us that African art isn’t frozen in history, it’s alive, expressive, and ever-evolving.

When she’s not creating hangable artworks, Buhle pours her creativity into her own brand, Tribal Monkey, a bold line of handcrafted beaded products that celebrate African aesthetics with a playful, modern edge.