A Storyteller in Colour and Strokes

From the vibrant mining township of Khuma, near Stilfontein in the North West, emerges a visual storyteller whose work captures the soul of township and rural life with authenticity and flair.

Meet Daniel Tladi, a passionate self-taught artist with over 14 years of experience as a full-time painter. His artwork is a heartfelt interpretation of everyday life in rural communities — from the movements of animals in open fields to the humble, daily activities of people in close-knit villages. Daniel’s art speaks the language of home.

Daniel specialises in oil as a medium. His unique style is bold, colourful, and emotionally rich. Each brushstroke reflects the rhythms of rural existence — from washing days and market scenes, to livestock herding and community gatherings. Through his paintings, he invites viewers into the heart of his surroundings, offering a warm, sometimes nostalgic window into the simplicity and resilience of township and farm life.

But Daniel captures beyond the human spirit. His skill in painting animals is just as compelling, with each creature rendered in a way that shows deep understanding, familiarity and respect for nature.

Over the years, Daniel’s art has graced many local exhibition platforms, earning admiration from art lovers and collectors both in South Africa and internationally. His work has found its way into homes across the globe — a testament to the universal appeal of his themes and the emotion behind his craft.
His work has been shown on various exhibition platforms, including the SANAVA exhibition, Aardklop Festival, Potchefstroom Art Museum, North West University Art Gallery, The B Gallery, ARTI Gallery,

Daniel is self-taught. After matric, he used a collection of art books from the local library in Stilfontein to learn various painting techniques. With his own journey as motivation, Daniel is driven by a vision to give back to the community that shaped him. His dream is to open an art centre in Khuma, where he can teach and mentor disadvantaged children. Through this initiative, he hopes to create a space where creativity can thrive and where young people can find purpose, confidence and expression through art.

Daniel accepts commission work, such as his recent request for a portrait of a porcupine.

For commission work, please contact him via WhatsApp at 082 752 3426.

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Profile compiled by Annemarie Marx – Communications Specialist, NWDC