Sibusisiwe Nodada and Songezo Langa
Photography
Art from the Global South – seen, celebrated, and collected
SouthSeen is a bold cultural initiative reimagining how the art of the Global South enters and shifts the global stage. Curated with dignity and intent, this transcontinental project builds meaningful bridges between South African artists and European audiences through exhibitions and pop-up showcases.
Born from Limani Art Gallery’s successful international exhibition at Belfius Bank and powered by The Birthmark Foundation, this is a movement supported by key partners including South Africa’s Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA).
SouthSeen is more than an exhibition. It is a reframing. A new lens.
Ingoma Yakwantu
Lonwaba Yonela Ngcwayi,
Photography
A direct line to the global art market
Are you a South African creator ready to take your work beyond our borders? SouthSeen invites submissions from original artists working across a range of media – from painting, sculpture, photography, and digital works.
This is your opportunity to:
- Present your work to European curators, collectors, and cultural institutions
- Join a platform built on fairness, visibility, and ethical representation
- Access mentorship and professional development support to get your work export-ready
- Join a community that believes in your story and its power
Selected artists will be showcased at the upcoming SouthSeen exhibition at Belfius Bank in Brussels, Belgium. All submissions are managed through IQOQO and reviewed via a two-phase adjudication process.
This exhibition is part of an ongoing initiative. If your work is not selected for this edition, it will still be considered for future SouthSeen exhibitions and opportunities.
Why this matters: a new gaze for a new era
For too long, South African artists have operated without regular exposure to international platforms. SouthSeen actively responds to this gap, not just by showcasing art, but by fundamentally changing how the world sees it.
We are turning the gaze outward as a powerful act of self-definition. The project presents technically strong, narrative-rich work that challenges colonial paradigms and resists exoticising tropes. Through authentic curation and transparent partnerships, we are crafting not just exhibitions, but futures.
Ukuphumla (To Rest)
Mercy Hombakazl Nqandeka,
Photography
Acquire with intention
Our exhibitions connect discerning collectors with the most compelling emerging voices from South Africa’s contemporary scene. These are not only works of extraordinary quality but of lasting cultural value – powerful investments that reflect a global shift toward equity and authenticity.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or seeking your first piece from the Global South, SouthSeen offers a rare opportunity to be part of something meaningful, ethical, and alive.
The Belgium exhibition is open from 22 August until October 2025 at Belfius Bank in Brussels.
Venue: Belfius Bank, Rue de la Loi 82, 1040 Bruxelles, Belgium
The Johannesburg iteration is now open from 3 September until October 2025 at the Atrium in Keyes Art Mile.
Venue: 21 Keyes Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
The exhibitions are free to enter, and open from 09h00-17h00 daily. Artworks are available for viewing and purchase online.
Artists on exhibit in Belgium include Bolelang Leepile, Bonginkosi Mavuso, Buntu Qina, Deidre Howarth, Hloniphani Buthelezi, Jack Lugg, Jonathan van de Walt, Kagiso Pat Mautloa, Lizo Pemba, Lonwabo Yonela Ngcwayi, Lookout Sibanda, Luthando Yamani, Lwando Hlazo, Masonwabe Ntloko, Mercy Hombakazi Nqandeka, Mpho Mothuntsi, Mziwoxolo Makalima, Ofentse Motsoane, Pitika Ntuli, Sal Price, Sarah Walmsley, Siphamandla Ex, Sophie Msoziswa Mahlangu, Sydney Selepe, Tabiso Dakamela, Thamsanqa Mfuphi, Thembelihle Ngesi, Theophelus Rikhotso, Thato Kokwana, Thulani Gankca, Tumelo Mphela, Ukho Peyi, Victor Geduldt and Zakhele Hlabisa.
Artists on exhibit in Johannesburg include Austin Kudzaishe Mandlokuwa, Samantha Maseko, Thapo Sekoaila, Treasure Mlima, Samson Chambala, Leonard Baloyi, Maryna Joubert, Mashudu Nevhutalu, Naledi Satekge, Themba Nhlapo and Olwethu de Vos
The exhibition is presented by The Birthmark Foundation and Limani Art Gallery, in partnership with DSAC, SEDFA, and IQOQO.
Join us
Whether you're an artist, collector, curator, or simply curious, SouthSeen invites you to see the South differently.