Ennock Mlangeni

Ennock Mlangeni
Born1991 (age 33–34)
Mamafubedu, Petrus Steyn, Free State, South Africa
Known forVisual art
Notable workCoffee-granule portrait of Black Coffee
MovementContemporary art

Ennock Mlangeni (born 1991) is a South African visual artist known for his use of unconventional materials, particularly coffee granules, in his artworks.[1][2]

Early life and education

Mlangeni was born in Mamafubedu, formerly known as Petrus Steyn, in the Free State province of South Africa.[3][4] Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his grandmother and moved to the Zamdela township of Sasolburg, Free State.Despite lacking formal art education, he developed his skills independently, participating in school competitions and experimenting with non-traditional materials such as newspaper, flour, and coffee granules.[5][6]

Artistic career

Mlangeni is best known for creating artwork using coffee granules as a primary medium. His breakthrough work, a portrait of DJ Black Coffee, gained widespread attention on social media.[7][8] Mlangeni has done some work for the likes of Cassper Nyovest, when he painted his swimming pool.[9] He was also commissioned by SMEG South Africa to design a R1.3 million fridge.[10] He founded Shack Art Studios in Zamdela, a creative space and mentorship hub for young artists.[11][12] In 2023, Mlangeni launched his art stokvel which allowed buyers to contribute a certain amount for a period of one year, wherein in the end they get to own one of his artworks.[13]

Themes and style

Mlangeni's work engages with themes of resilience, identity, resourcefulness, and community.[14]He often uses everyday or recycled materials, highlighting creativity under resource constraints and transforming ordinary objects into high-impact artworks.[15]

Notable works and exhibitions

  • Coffee-granule portrait of DJ Black Coffee: viral work that helped establish his career.[16]
  • The Butterfly Finds Its Wings: online exhibition at Uitstalling Art Gallery (Belgium), August–October 2020.[17]
  • NESCAFÉ Room mural, Sandton City, Johannesburg, South Africa ,June 2024.[18]
  • All That Glitters is Not Gold: A solo exhibition at Uitstalling Villa in Genk, Belgium, which ran from December 3, 2022, to January 29, 2023.
  • Hybrid III: Summer at The Villa: A group exhibition at Uitstalling Villa in Genk, Belgium, from July 14 to August 14, 2022.[19]
  • SZAL: An exhibition at MAD Gallery in Poznan, Poland, from May 26 to July 31, 2022.

Community impact

Mlangeni actively mentors young artists through his studio, emphasizing creative development and opportunities for under-resourced youth.[20]

Awards and recognition

  • Bic® Art Master talent search 2018.[21]
  • Sasol Techno X: Youth Engagement Award in 2023.

See also

References

  1. ^ Langa, Phumlani S. "Fall in love with fridge art". News24. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  2. ^ "Coffee art: Why Ennock Mlangeni swapped paint for the bean". Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  3. ^ "Ennock Mlangeni Brings inspiring art to life at NESCAFÉ Room with a one of a kind coffee mural – The Guide Online Magazine". 2024-06-24. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  4. ^ Museum, SARB Collection &. "MLANGENI, ENNOCK | Artists". SARB Collection & Museum. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  5. ^ Mirror, The African (2020-08-31). ""My name is Ennock Mlangeni…You don't know me yet…" - The African Mirror". Retrieved 2025-11-03.
  6. ^ "Black coffee puts painter Mlangeni on the map". Business Day. 2018-09-13. Retrieved 2025-11-03.
  7. ^ How this painting of Black Coffee drastically changed this artist’s life, News24, 12 July 2019.
  8. ^ Kobbie, Naomi (2021-09-07). "Meet Ennock Mlangeni, the Artist Wowing Mzansi with His Brilliant Creations on Furniture - Briefly.co.za". briefly.co.za. Retrieved 2025-11-03.
  9. ^ "SEE: Artist Ennock Mlangeni is working on a pool transformation for Cassper Nyovest". www.houseandgarden.co.za. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  10. ^ Stockenstroom, Somaya (2021-10-13). "Lifestyles of the rich and famous: Partying at KONKA and R1m fridges". Sunday World. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  11. ^ Oluwole, Victor (2020-09-04). "Self-taught South African visual artist, Ennock Mlangeni has sold his first piece of painting for €5,028 (R100K) at his first international exhibition in Belgium". Business Insider Africa. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  12. ^ Kgongoane, Gugulethu (2019-11-18). "Coffee artist Ennock Mlangeni prepares for solo exhibit in Belgium". Sedibeng Ster. Retrieved 2025-11-03.
  13. ^ Kgobotlo, Boitumelo (2023-01-15). "Coffee bean artist Mlangeni launches art stokvel". Sunday World. Retrieved 2025-11-03.
  14. ^ "Portraits of newsmakers put artist on the map". Sowetan. 2018-11-08. Retrieved 2025-11-03.
  15. ^ "Ennock Mlangeni helps develop new art talent in his community". Sowetan. 2019-11-13. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  16. ^ "Ennock Mlangeni talks about his art". Red Bull. 2018-05-31. Retrieved 2025-11-03.
  17. ^ Ennock Mlangeni | Vip Uitstalling | Online Exhibition, Uitstalling Art Gallery, 2020.
  18. ^ Ennock Mlangeni brings inspiring art to life at NESCAFÉ Room, The Guide Online, June 2024.
  19. ^ "Welcome | Uitstalling Art Gallery | Genk". Vip Uitstalling. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
  20. ^ Ennock Mlangeni helps develop new art talent in his community, The Sowetan, 13 November 2019.
  21. ^ "Artist's resolve pays off". News24. Retrieved 2025-10-31.
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