Lulama Wolf (b. 1993) is a visual artist who lives and works in Johannesburg, South Africa.
At the intersection of Neo-Expressionism and Modern African Art, Wolf explores the pre-colonial African experience through a contemporary lens. Her process involves smearing, scraping, and employing deep pigment techniques inspired by vernacular architecture. These techniques often incorporate patterns traditionally created by women to decorate traditional African homes.
History and the proof of life are the core concepts in her work. Where there has rarely prior been reference of life in black spirituality, she counters that narrative by creating two dimensional paintings to embody the simplicity and deep spiritual power of the native eye. Her motivation is both tender and protective of her imaginary world, and her symbolic view of how her world looks into an alternate universe. She is set on creating both a photographic and graphic experience, that morphs and shapeshifts into a higher dimensional plane.
At only 32 years of age, Wolf has gained local and international recognition through presentations on global platforms and acclaimed exhibitions. She was named the finalist of the Emergence Art Prize in 2020, and has presented in notable exhibitions including The Right to Ease, The Breeder Gallery, Athens (2022) and Common Efforts, Eighteen Gallery, Copenhagen (2023), followed by solo exhibitions titled Ayakha: Indlela Yokuxola at THK Gallery, Cape Town (2023) and I’m Not Governed by My Flesh, Affinity Gallery, Lagos (2025).
Wolf has collaborated internationally with brands including Bang & Olufsen and H&M, for whom she designed a homeware range in 2023. Wolf was further recognised as the Artist of the Year in 2024 by House & Garden in partnership with Norval Foundation. Her work was later included in Motherhood: Paradox & Duality at the IZIKO South African National Gallery, Cape Town (2025).
In February 2026, THK Gallery presented Wolf in a group exhibition titled A Grammar of Belonging, followed by the Investec Cape Town Art Fair. In April 2026, Wolf has presented at Art Düsseldorf and Art Cologne: Palma Mallorca and she is currently participating in a group exhibition titled Alongside, in Cologne.