Sthenjwa Luthuli (b. 1991, Bothas Hill, KwaZulu-Natal) is a South African artist working primarily in carved wooden reliefs and woodcut prints. His artistic process involves meticulously hand-carving and painting 12mm MDF Supawood blocks, resulting in hybrid art-objects that are both sculptural and painted canvases. His work often depicts the ‘unknown space,’ a dream-like state where ancestors and living descendants connect, exploring themes of tension, balance, tradition, and modernity.

Luthuli’s work draws inspiration from the rich artistic history of his region, particularly the Rorke’s Drift school and artists like John Muafangejo, Dan Rakgoathe, Sam Nhlengethwa, and Cyprian Shilakoe. He also incorporates contemporary influences from artists such as Wangechi Mutu and Yinka Shonibare. His painted reliefs are known for their joy and freedom, reflecting his sense of belonging within a collective history and consciousness.