If you think the art world is cold and standoffish, you clearly haven’t met Nkuli Nhleko. As curator and business liaison at Everard Read Joburg, she’s a crack expert on the local art world – but she’s also the kind of person you can chat to about everything from world news to life’s more spiritual aspects. Over a cup of tea or a glass of wine, of course.
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year, and why?
The best book I’ve read in the past year isn’t a novel, but a deeply meaningful book of poetry: Rumi Illustrated. It’s a beautiful collection of 13th-century Persian poems and stories by Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi. Each fable and tale holds timeless wisdom about love, ego, pain and how we treat others. The writing is layered yet simple, poetic yet profound. It resonates with everyday life and makes me pause to reflect. Reading it feels like spiritual and emotional grounding – quiet, thoughtful moments that centre me. It’s truly a gift that keeps on giving. The illustrations are magnificent too – a real feast for the eyes.
How do you keep fit?
Right now, I’m fully committed to Iyengar yoga, which feels like home for both my body and mind. Over the years, my approach to fitness has changed with the seasons of my life. When I needed to release tension and emotion, I turned to boxing at a gritty gym in Linden. When I focused on strength, I trained with a personal coach, Ainsley. But now, yoga provides the balance I need – mental endurance, peace and mindfulness. It’s not just about staying fit; it’s about finding quiet strength and grounding. Yoga helps me tune in, not just tone up.
Weeknight, low-key restaurant go-to?
My favourite low-key spot is Liban Café on 4th Avenue in Parkhurst, Joburg. It’s a cosy Lebanese restaurant with the most comforting food – think fluffy, warm bread, juicy kebabs, delicious dips, and sharing platters. The flavours are bold, earthy and satisfying. What I love most is the laid-back atmosphere. You don’t need a reservation, and the staff are always genuinely warm. I adore Lebanese cuisine, and Liban feels like a little escape without the fuss. It’s perfect for easy, feel-good dinners that bring people together around a table.
What is the one artwork you’ll always love, and why?
The artwork I’ll always cherish is a sculpture by Dumile Feni that’s been in my family since the early 90s. My parents bought it from the Goodman Gallery, and I grew up around it. It’s a deeply expressive portrait of an African man, with exaggerated features that make you stop and feel. There’s nostalgia in it for me, but beyond that, it’s a powerful statement. Feni was avant-garde, and even today, his work feels radically contemporary. His understanding of form, emotion and African identity still feels fresh. That sculpture gives me a strong sense of what it means to be unapologetically Afrocentric with an ultra-contemporary twist.
Do you have a hobby? What is it?
One of my absolute favourite things to do is go on long nature walks or hikes. There’s something about being outdoors, with no time pressure and no set direction, that grounds me like nothing else. I love to find a big walking stick – my “Gandalf stick” – and just wander through the trees, taking in all the smells, colours and sounds. Whether it’s with my husband or my whole family, it’s the easiest way to reconnect. We walk slowly, talk, laugh and sometimes just listen. There’s no agenda – just being present, playful and deeply at peace.
The one unusual item you can’t live without?
Mascara! It may sound simple, but it’s the one thing I feel a little lost without. Even on days when I’m not dressed up or going anywhere important, a bit of mascara makes me feel more awake and put-together. It’s become a small ritual – something that helps me transition into the day with a bit of confidence and polish. There’s just something about seeing yourself a little more “awake” in the mirror that sets the tone. It’s my little magic wand.
Who was your high school celeb crush?
My high school celebrity crush was definitely Jesse Williams – Dr Avery from Grey’s Anatomy. I thought he was absolutely divine – chiselled by the gods! But what’s kept me admiring him into adulthood is how seriously he takes his activism. He uses his platform to speak truth to power, and to champion causes I care deeply about. I even had a chance to meet him during the 2010 World Cup in Cape Town. He was at Neighbourgoods Bar on Long Street, and I mustered up the courage to say hi. Total fangirl moment! And yes, he was as kind as he was beautiful.
Three songs you’d take to a desert island?
If I were stranded on a desert island, I’d want music that feeds my soul. First would be Summer Daze by Nick Holder – a song that instantly brings me back to South African summers and warm memories with family and friends. It’s comforting and nostalgic. Second, Work Song by Hozier – it’s rich with devotion and resilience. It feels like an anthem of faith, which I think you’d really need in solitude. Lastly, Hey Ya! by OutKast – playful, weird, yet wonderful. It’s the kind of track that helps you dance away the loneliness and reconnect with joy. It’s my trio of spirit, faith and fun.
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