When art is used as an instrument to heal society through communal participation
By Nomfundo Nkosi
On the 7th of May 2026 a preview launch was held at the 27 boxes in Melville prior to a follow up exhibition that was held on May 9, 2026, at Indoni Arts House Gallery, allowing walk-ins by the public. The space is creating a a niche for itself in market by featuring the work of young artists as well as giving an opportunity to surrounding community members to try their luck in art making. Indoni Arts House Gallery is part and parcel of Ndofaya Street Jam, where artists like Katlego YaModimo were part of the inaugural festival recently.
We as CITYLIFE/ARTS have been following this developing art story for sometime as it promises to give artists real opportunity for their creativity to be noticed by the art market. For example young artist Refiloe Minisi, who is walking in the footsteps of the legendary Samson Mnisi, his late artist father, is part of the artists being exhibited at Indoni Art House Gallery on a regular basis.
The showcase that officially opened on May 9, was a showcase of graphics art as well as professionally done illustrations, allowing the world of visual creativity to paint it’s stories through a colourful lens of graphic designs.
The journey did not stop there, as part of this showcase were books produced by Majesty Mnyandu a philosophical public figure, who on his own right is steadily making an impact in the academic and world of media. He teaches at Wits currently.
Personally, I have for sometime, noticed the resilience of these creatives. This art space, is therefore, an important addition to Johannesburg’s vibrant art ecosystem.
Indoni Arts House is therefore, a necessary arts intervention catering for creatives whose spirit and practice are aligned with the hub’s community outreach program that is set to be held every Thursday afternoon at 16h00.
The audacity one would say, to use raw materials to build community socially and heal, is a welcome initiative. Yet these creative, see beyond just selling their next project, but see the work they do as playing the role of healing society.
Indoni allows fruitful discussions to be held, missions to be revived and during these community outreach everyone is welcome to learn the methods of expression. I’m sure you’re thinking do they produce sessions, everyone’s contribution is valued.
Also in the team we met Funeka Shubing whose work was almost reportedly sold him. Only one art piece remained unsold at the time we visited him.
These creatives have sown a seed for networking, playing and execution of business proposals. Grab your coat on a Thursday afternoon even this winter, set an art date and head to Indoni Arts Hub this Thursday. They also mentioned they are involved in musical project developments, and so check them out.