Beginning in 2016, I have based my mosaic grid system on the matchbox houses of Soweto. I remember visiting Mandela’s home and finding a design solution for my mosaics based on the walls of that tiny home.
So the African Bricks became my love letter to this continent.
The first edition was my first attempt to organize my memories of walking in the streets of the formal and, even more so, the informal settlements of Soweto and other African townships. I have tried to celebrate both historic figures and everyday heroes. From Shaka Zulu to a hard-working mother.
In my second edition, I attempted to explore African culture beyond folklore. Collaborating with artists like Keznamdi and praising poets like Amanda Gorman, I explored the African influence far from the African shores.
The third edition honored the fierce beauty and strength of African women. This is my primary and most profound source of love and respect for Africa. The continent is a woman, a mother, a daughter, a lover, a worker, an artist, a poet...
So the African Bricks became my love letter to this continent.
The first edition was my first attempt to organize my memories of walking in the streets of the formal and, even more so, the informal settlements of Soweto and other African townships. I have tried to celebrate both historic figures and everyday heroes. From Shaka Zulu to a hard-working mother.
In my second edition, I attempted to explore African culture beyond folklore. Collaborating with artists like Keznamdi and praising poets like Amanda Gorman, I explored the African influence far from the African shores.
The third edition honored the fierce beauty and strength of African women. This is my primary and most profound source of love and respect for Africa. The continent is a woman, a mother, a daughter, a lover, a worker, an artist, a poet...
Now I’m starting the fourth chapter. It’s my most ambitious project so far, and in many ways, it brings me back to my greatest inspiration: the multifaceted nature of the African woman. Over the course of three years, I created these nine mosaics by experimenting extensively with mosaic technology and craftsmanship.
Beyond the art itself, the fourth edition was also a technical and cultural deep dive. With the help of machine learning, I refined my matching algorithms, implemented object recognition models, and advanced masking techniques to filter my image databases, enabling me to utilize the best possible tiles in various parts of the composition*.
I also utilized machine learning to train LORAs (Low-Rank Adaptation) to generate various traditional textile styles, and experimented with possible refinements or new hybrid styles for my tesserae.
I also utilized machine learning to train LORAs (Low-Rank Adaptation) to generate various traditional textile styles, and experimented with possible refinements or new hybrid styles for my tesserae.
I know this process will keep me learning and engaged for years ahead. But what fascinated me most was that as my digital tools became more advanced, I felt even more drawn to the wisdom of traditional craftspeople.
I studied Joseph-Marie Jacquard’s 1804 loom, where punch cards automated silk patterns—inspiring Charles Babbage’s first ‘programs. I decoded Ghanaian kente cloth (where gold threads signify royalty) and Ndebele murals (characterized by Esther Mahlangu’s symmetry), then applied the grain-mapping logic of Zulu carvers and Akan stool makers.
These systems, such as Adinkra symbols or Jacquard’s binary logic, now shape my algorithms, merging contemporary technology with centuries of material wisdom.
These systems, such as Adinkra symbols or Jacquard’s binary logic, now shape my algorithms, merging contemporary technology with centuries of material wisdom.
The result is nine digital mosaic artworks that show what can happen when you honor both innovation and tradition. Some of these pieces include more than 1,000 different textile patterns.
The real magic is in how they come together, blending precise technology with cultural intuition. It took me three years to get this balance right. Actually, I am not sure if I ever will...
The real magic is in how they come together, blending precise technology with cultural intuition. It took me three years to get this balance right. Actually, I am not sure if I ever will...
Like the earlier editions, this collection consists of two parts: five imaginary portraits that capture Africa’s dreams, and five contemporary icons who represent the continent’s living spirit today.
* Citations here are basic. I am promising to return with a more specific article about the technology and science behind this work.
Visions of the Heart
Five imaginary portraits from the soul of Africa
These are the faces I probably see when I think of Africa. Not specific people, but the spirits that shape this continent.
Women interacting with wild animals, such as cheetahs and snakes, demonstrate the strong bond between people and nature that remains important in Africa. Pictures of natural beauty and pride that remind us of queens and everyday heroes. Working women whose hands help feed their communities and keep traditions going.
These five women show what Africa has always known: strength and tenderness work together.
The Artworks:
Inhliziyo Ezigijima Ndawonye (Zulu: Hearts That Beat Together). Digital mosaic, 2025.
A young African woman and her cheetah companion share an unbreakable bond in this tender mosaic. Celebrating Ubuntu and the sacred connection between human and nature.
Umthakathi (Zulu: Healer)
Digital mosaic, 2025
Honoring the spiritual healers and wisdom keepers of Africa. In many African traditions, the serpent represents transformation, healing, and ancient knowledge. This powerful portrait celebrates the sacred bond between woman and nature.
Inkosazana (Zulu: Princess), Digital Mosaic, 2024
Celebrating the regal beauty and strength of African womanhood. This stunning portrait emerges from 1,000+ authentic African textile patterns, honoring the dignity and cultural heritage of the continent's daughters. Every tile tells a story of tradition, pride, and resilience.
Umama Wepap (Zulu: Mother of Pap), Digital mosaic, 2024.
Honoring the African women who nourish communities one meal at a time. This tender portrait of traditional pap preparation celebrates the everyday heroism of mothers and grandmothers across Africa. Woven from 1,000+ textile patterns of heritage and love.
Isithembu Esimnandi (Zulu: Sweet Affection), Digital mosaic, 2023.
Revisiting and refining one of my most beloved scenes from African Bricks 3, this focused new interpretation captures the tender bond between protector and protected. Sometimes the most powerful art deserves a closer, deeper look.
Voices of Our Time
Five contemporary icons shaping our world
From South Africa’s townships to stages in New York and Paris, these five people show that African excellence has no limits. Each has a story of courage and achievement.
Thuli Madonsela is a constitutional architect and fearless Public Protector. Grammy winner Tyla, who brought amapiano from Johannesburg to the world. Rugby champion Siya Kolisi, whose journey from Zwide township to two World Cup wins shows a nation’s transformation.
These portraits also honor the connections between artists, like Dotun Popoola, the Nigerian sculptor whose wife’s birthday gift became art, and creators who find that art is a universal language. Together, they show Africa’s present and future: confident, creative, and ready to lead.
Each portrait honors not just individual achievement, but the communities, traditions, and ancestral wisdom that made these triumphs possible.
The Artworks:
Umgcini woMthethosisekelo (Zulu: Guardian of the Constitution), Digital mosaic, 2024
Honoring Professor Advocate Thuli Madonsela, co-architect of South Africa's Constitution and fearless champion of democracy. Her legacy of integrity and courage continues to inspire leaders worldwide.
Onyinye Ịhụnanya (Igbo: Gift of Love), Digital mosaic, 2024.
When artists meet across cultures, beautiful friendships bloom. This portrait was created as a birthday gift for the wife of my dear friend, Nigerian sculptor Dotun Popoola. Art connects hearts across continents.
Tyla: Queen of Popiano, Digital mosaic, 2024
Celebrating the vibrant energy of the Grammy winner who brought amapiano to the world! This explosive interpretation captures the joy of 'Water' going global and South African sounds conquering international charts. Pure popiano magic!
Umqhudelwano (Zulu: "Connection/Bridge), Digital mosaic, 2025.
Honoring Tyla as the cultural bridge who connected South African amapiano to global hearts. From Johannesburg townships to Grammy stages, she proves music is the universal language that unites us all. Building bridges, one beat at a time.
Phakama (Khosa: Rise), Digital mosaic, 2024.
Honoring Siya Kolisi, the first black Springboks captain who led South Africa to back-to-back World Cup victories. From Zwide township to global champion, his story embodies the power of resilience and unity.
Some details:
You can download high resolution files for some of these artworks from my Flickr account. Licensed under the Creative Commons 4.0 International [Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)].
You can read an article of mine about my mosaic art inspired by Africa.