All of Skubalisto’s portraits are painted narratives, each stroke articulating the memories, dreams, fears, and hopes of both subject and artist. In this title work “Expensive Freedom,” Skumbuzo offers a commentary on the death of the middle class. The strokes and shades of his female subject offer a visual metaphor for the complexity of the issue and invites viewers to peer beyond the layers of artistic obfuscation to hear the very real human voice on the other end. A dialogue in paint. [Skumbuzo Salman] Skumbuzo “Skubalisto” Salman is a respected artist based in Cape Town, South Africa known for his impactful work addressing social justice, identity, and belonging. With a background in visual and fine arts, Salman has spent the past decade crafting a unique and engaging practice. He's not just a painter; he's a thoughtful voice in his community, using art as a tool for cultural awareness. Although he has painted murals in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Italy, and the US, Skumbuzo is particularly passionate about the future of young people on the African continent and is committed to making a lasting impact through mural projects and advocacy of the arts. Instagram: @Skubalisto Twitter: @Skubalisto Personal web: https://www.skubalisto.com Facebook: Skubalisto