In South Africa, artist Themba Khumalo is showcasing his unique art during his first formal solo exhibition in Johannesburg. Khumalo is best known for his evocative etchings that capture the cityscape and landscapes of Johannesburg. But this current exhibition is dealing with the emotive issue of land. CGTN's Yolisa Njamela has more.

YOLISA NJAMELA JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA "The visual arts in South African are often perceived as elitist and a specialist undertaking because they are associated with power and affluence. Over the past few years though - there has been some diversification in this field."

Themba Khumalo is one of those who are magnifying the art world to a non-traditional base. In this exhibition he explores the issue of the return of the land to its rightful owners.

THEMBA KHUMALO VISUAL ARTIST "So it talks about what is happening now in terms of social illnesses and political stuff and so forth. Then I'd use the color of coffee to describe the soil, hence you see some of the works is brown and there's clouds and all that, so the clouds are inspired by sense of emotions because the only way to capture emotions is that I use clouds, so that you can get the mood of the artwork."

Khumalo has always had an affinity for art. He explores place and the idea of home through his pieces.

In his work he also navigates the use of different mediums including charcoal drawings and painting.

He makes use of techniques such as etching, dry point and monoprint because he says, he can achieve strong, intense lines, different effects and textures.

He talks us through his process of painting a picture

THEMBA KHUMALO VISUAL ARTIST "When I start, I start with coffee. So I will paint with brown first and let it dry so it's more like layering because the first paint of coffee is the lightest, for you to get the darkest, you have to paint on top for it to become darker, so I will start with the browns and let it dry then I will come with charcoal on top, that is how it works."

Presenting this exhibition is a proud moment for him.

THEMBA KHUMALO VISUAL ARTIST "My last show was in 2016. So I ended up grow artistry proof, so this is my other show because it's been 2(3) years now and not having a show in Johannesburg. So for me it's very important and it shows growth."

The exhibition is being showcased at Gallery2 in Johannesburg. Yolisa Njamela, CGTN, Johannesburg, South Africa.