Tucked away in the leafy streets of Parkview is an artist whose work has travelled far beyond Johannesburg, capturing hearts in Japan and across the world.

Joanne Mclaughlin, known online as @mojosouthafrica, creates playful, anthropomorphic artworks that bring animals to life, often dressed in charming costumes and brimming with personality.

Read more: New exhibition highlights artists encounters with wildlife

Once a respected art teacher, Mclaughlin made a life-changing decision in 2021 to resign and fully pursue her artistic journey. When she stepped away from teaching, she applied for an art residency at Studio Kura in Fukuoka, Japan. Within 24 hours, she received her acceptance, a moment that marked the start of a remarkable new chapter.

Japan proved transformative. The experience reshaped her artistic identity, right down to her signature, which she replaced with a traditional Japanese stamp as a tribute to the country that reignited her passion. Today, she returns annually to exhibit her work, which has been featured in Japanese newspapers and on television.

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Parkview artist Joanne Mclaughlin, paints Koos the optometrist. Video: Supplied #Rosebank #artist ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

At the heart of Mclaughlin’s art is joy. Her whimsical animal portraits, often inspired by requests from social media followers, challenge the idea that art must always be serious. Instead, her work celebrates playfulness, imagination, and light-hearted storytelling, offering a refreshing escape from the pressures of everyday life.

Also read: Local artist explores city and memory in Notes in Flight

Her commissions range from bespoke pet portraits to spontaneous sketches inspired by dogs she meets during her daily walks, while her fascination with endangered animals has culminated in a powerful large-scale exhibition piece she hopes to showcase in South Africa.

Though her online following remains modest, Mclaughlin values social media as a space for creativity and accountability, encouraging her to produce new work weekly. Each piece is deeply personal, guided by instinct, humour, and heart.

From Parkview to Japan, Joanne Mclaughlin’s artistic journey is a testament to courage, reinvention, and the enduring power of creativity.

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