Dates: 7 May – 28 June 2026
Opening event: 18:00 on Thursday, 7 May 2026
Walkabout event: 11:00 on Friday, 8 May 2026
Venue: Annex Gallery, Oliewenhuis Art Museum, 16 Harry Smith Street, Bloemfontein
Uhambo Lwemi Moya: A solo exhibition by Quincy Mbuso Hlongwa
Oliewenhuis Art Museum is pleased to present Uhambo Lwemi Moya (The Journey of My Spirit), a solo exhibition by South African artist Quincy Mbuso Hlongwa. This exhibition presents a compelling body of figurative paintings that explore themes of identity, personal reflection, and the emotional landscapes of contemporary life.
Through his distinctive visual language, Hlongwa creates striking portraits of figures rendered in deep blue and purple tones, often situated within vivid environments of red, pink and patterned backdrops. These compositions invite viewers into intimate scenes that balance quiet contemplation with powerful visual presence.
The exhibition reflects on the metaphorical journey of the spirit — the moments of stillness, introspection and connection that shape human experience. Everyday settings such as domestic interiors, bookshelves and encounters with animals become symbolic spaces where the artist reflects on companionship, vulnerability and personal memory.
Hlongwa’s practice draws from lived experience and contemporary visual culture. His figures, often shown in moments of reflection or interaction, suggest narratives that are both personal and universal. Through colour, symbolism and expressive figuration, the artist constructs visual stories that encourage viewers to reflect on their own journeys of identity and belonging.
Artist Biography
Quincy Mbuso Hlongwa is a South African contemporary artist whose work focuses on figurative painting and storytelling. His practice explores identity, human relationships and psychological introspection through vivid colour and carefully constructed compositions. His works are characterised by the use of bold palettes, distinctive figures and symbolic environments that create layered narratives about contemporary life.
The public is invited to join Oliewenhuis Art Museum for the opening of Uhambo Lwemi Moya. The opening will take place at 18:00 on Thursday, 7 May 2026 in the Annex Gallery at Oliewenhuis Art Museum.
Everyone is welcome and entrance is free of charge. Refreshments will be served.
A walkabout of the exhibition will be conducted by the artist at 11:00 on Friday, 8 May 2026.
The exhibition can be viewed until Sunday, 28 June 2026. Oliewenhuis Art Museum is located at 16 Harry Smith Street, Bloemfontein and is open to the public from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 17:00, and on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays between 09:00 and 16:00. Please note that the main gate closes to new arrivals at 16:30 on weekdays and 15:30 on weekends; however, visitors already inside are welcome to enjoy the museum until closing time. A ramp at the entrance of the main entrance provides access for wheel chairs, while a lift provides access to the Permanent Collection display areas on the 1st floor. R10 parking fee will be charged but entrance to the museum is free.
For more information on Oliewenhuis Art Museum please contact the Museum at 078 968 4300 or oliewen@nasmus.co.za. Stay up to date by following Oliewenhuis Art Museum on Facebook, Instagram and X for all upcoming exhibitions and events.
