Jackson Nkumanda is an African contemporary artist born in Cradock in 1948. He is known for his early clay compositions and recycled material, using these to explore everyday life, memory, and material storytelling. In 1972 he trained as a carpenter but later shifted his focus fully to art in 1975, following encouragement from a family member. This decision marked the beginning of his long-term artistic career.
Nkumanda is known for his material-driven approach and storytelling drawing from memory and lived experience in his work. He lived and worked in Philippi, Cape Town, and exhibited extensively both in South Africa and Internationally, particularly in Italy, as well as in Germany, Sweden and other countries. His work is included in several important collections, including the South African National Gallery as well as private and institutional collections abroad. Over the course of his career, he has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions, including shows at Studio d’Arte Raffaelli (Italy), Galleria Civica di Trento and various International art fairs and cultural institutions.