Delmaine Donson (b. 1991) is a South African figurative painter based in Cape Town. Working primarily in oil, her practice explores Black femininity through a restrained visual language of stillness, saturation, and form.

Her work centres on the body as a site of self-possession. Her figures exist in states of inward awareness, resisting performance and external expectation. Through a deliberate use of colour, particularly deep blues and saturated reds, Donson creates a tension between calm and intensity.

Her paintings reflect a shift from observation toward embodiment, where the body is no longer simply viewed, but inhabited. Defined by a quiet authority, her work offers a contemporary reimagining of presence, sensitivity, and interiority.

Selected Clients and Collaborations

Netflix - Strong Black Leads Campaign

Delmaine Donson was one of three South African artists commissioned by Netflix South Africa as part of their Strong Black Lead initiative, contributing a striking portrait inspired by Nola Darling from the award-winning series She's Gotta Have It, celebrating unfiltered Black representation.

Adidas / Footgear – #SolesNeverSleep Campaign

Delmaine was featured as“The Illustrator” in Footgear’s Adidas #SolesNeverSleep campaign, which spotlighted influential voices in music, street culture, and visual art. Her bold digital paintings were showcased as part of a celebration of South African creatives who challenge convention and inspire change.

Penguin Random House - Finding Jupiter cover illustration

Delmaine was commissioned by Penguin Random House (U.S.) to illustrate the cover of Finding Jupiter by Kelis Rowe — a celebrated novel that has won the 2023–2024 Keystone to Reading Book Award (High School category) and earned recognition as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and a Bank Street Best Children’s Book of 2023.

Books by Channing & Chelsae - B is for Black Girl illustrator

Delmaine illustrated the children’s book B is for Black Girl by American authors Channing and Chelsae Moreland. The book, created to celebrate and empower Black girl culture, has been featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show, WAFB News, and in San Diego Voyager. Praised for its bold visuals and affirming message, it continues to inspire families and educators across the U.S.

ORS Curls Unleashed - Lead Artist – 2019

Delmaine Donson was commissioned as the lead artist for Curls Unleashed, a popular haircare line by U.S. brand ORS. Her bold, expressive illustrations were featured across the product packaging and campaign materials.

Features & Appearances

The Plug Magazine

OkayAfrica

Cape Town TV

Afternoon Express

Exhibitions

Group Exhibition - Young Blood Africa Gallery / Cape Town, 2018