The Artist
About
Michael
Michael Wenseslaus Malugala — known as Michael Wenc — is a visual artist born and based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He works primarily in acrylic on canvas, building images through layered paint, texture, and stillness.
His work explores identity, memory, and cultural presence. Not through grand gestures, but through the specific: the weight of a cassette tape, the grain of a lion's mane, the smoke rising from a cooking pot, the gold of a woman's dress against dry earth.
He has exhibited at Rangi Gallery, the National Museum, and Swami Vavikenda in Tanzania — engaging viewers with compositions that feel both intimate and monumental, personal and collective.
Every painting begins with a question: what does this moment already know? The canvas answers slowly. Michael's job is to listen.
Medium
Acrylic on canvas · Mixed media
Custom Work
Commission
a Piece
A commissioned painting is an object made specifically for you — your subject, your scale, your home. Michael takes on a limited number of commissions each year to give each one the time and attention it deserves.
Subjects range from portraiture and wildlife to landscapes, still life, and abstract work. If you have an image in mind — or just a feeling — that's enough to start.
01
Brief
Tell Michael about the piece — subject, mood, size, setting. The more specific you are, the better the painting. There are no wrong answers.
02
Quote
Michael sends a quote based on size, complexity, and timeline. Pricing is honest and final — no surprises.
03
Deposit
A 50% deposit confirms your commission and secures a slot in the schedule. Work begins when the deposit clears.
04
Creation
Michael works and shares progress. You can give input at key stages. Most commissions take 4–8 weeks depending on size.
05
Delivery
Final balance on completion. The painting ships framed and professionally packed — locally or internationally.
Ready to begin?
Fill in the form below and Michael will get back to you within 48 hours.
Originals for Sale
The Shop
Each painting is a unique original. All prices are in Tanzanian Shillings. International buyers welcome — shipping arranged on request.
Two Souls, One Shadow
TSh 450,000
80x100 · Acrylic on Canvas · 2026
"Two Souls, One Shadow" Inspired by the simple, genuine romance of Tanzania's coastal life. A time when love was seen in evening walks, soft conversations, and silent companionship beneath the glowing street lights. Two souls walking together, carrying one love and one shadow.
Add to InquiryLove in 90’s
She Enjoys, When I Hit
TSh 750,000
100x100 · Acrylic on Canvas · 2026
This painting reflects the harvest time gatherings common in 1990s Tanzania. People would come together to celebrate with drums, dancing, and laughter after working in the fields. Moments like this brought people closer. As music played and people danced, some even met and found love. The scene shows how joy, music, and connection were all part of those special times.
Add to InquiryLove in 90's
Injaruetin / Wapenzi
TSh 750,000
90 × 120 cm · Acrylic on Canvas · 2026
A quiet walk, hand in hand, wrapped in tradition and warmth. This piece captures a timeless kind of love — simple, loyal, and deeply rooted in culture. Set against golden earth tones, their unity speaks of commitment, partnership, and the beauty of walking life's journey side by side.
Add to InquiryNdoto Ndogo
"Small Dreams"
TSh 750,000
120 × 80 cm · Acrylic on Canvas · 2026
Utotoni furaha ilitengenezwa kwa vitu rahisi — mpira wa makaratasi, uwanja wa vumbi, na muda wa kucheza bila mipaka. Kazi hii inanasa kumbukumbu hizo na uzuri wa maisha ya kawaida yanayobeba hadithi kubwa.
Add to InquiryLove in 90's
Church Lovers
TSh 750,000
100 × 120 cm · Acrylic on Canvas · 2026
From the Love in 90's series — a moment of calm, love, and grace after Sunday service. When love was simple, respectful, and rooted in faith.
Add to InquiryLay With Me
TSh 575,000
100 × 70 cm · Acrylic on Canvas · 2026
A quiet moment of closeness unfolds as a child curls into the warmth of a mother's embrace. The composition centres on touch — arms wrapped, bodies folded together — capturing a sense of safety, trust, and deep connection. Earthy tones and soft textures evoke intimacy and stillness, while the patterned fabric hints at identity and home. The piece reflects the universal comfort of being held, where love is felt without words.
Add to InquiryLove in 90's
Pendo la Kwanza
Sold
90 × 120 cm · Acrylic on Canvas · 2026
Kazi hii ni sehemu ya mfululizo wa Love in 90's — nikikumbuka nyakati ambapo hisia zilikuwa rahisi, za kweli, na za moyoni kabisa.
Commission SimilarLove in 90's
My Dowry
Sold
100 × 120 cm · Acrylic on Canvas · 2025
A quiet moment from traditional African courtship in the 1990s. The painting depicts a young woman dressed in traditional attire gently caring for a cow — a symbol of bride price (dowry). The act reflects love, responsibility, and the cultural value placed on marriage, family honour, and tradition. Warm colours and a calm posture emphasise respect, commitment, and the emotional weight of dowry practices.
Commission SimilarLove in 90's
Siri Yetu
Sold
120 × 90 cm · Acrylic on Canvas · 2025
This vibrant painting from the Love in the Nineties series shows a joyful couple sharing a moment of laughter. Surrounded by clay pots and gentle rising steam, the scene glows with earthy colours and soft light. Their smiles and relaxed posture capture a sense of togetherness, everyday love, and the comfort of shared routines.
Commission SimilarLove in 90's
Dundo
TSh 750,000
100 × 120 cm · Acrylic on Canvas · 2025
Instead of emojis, people used song dedications on radio. If your name was mentioned on Radio Tanzania, that was the ultimate "I love you."
Add to InquirySpirits of the Wings
The Majestic
TSh 400,000
100 × 70 cm · Acrylic on Canvas board · 2025
From the Spirits of the Wings series — the lion painted with bold detail and rich tones, symbolising strength, pride, and the spirit of the wild.
Add to InquiryWings of Africa
Wings of Africa
"African Fish Eagle"
TSh 275,000
100 × 70 cm · Acrylic on Canvas · 2025
The final piece of the Wings of Africa series features the majestic African Fish Eagle, perched proudly on a branch, its sharp gaze and striking plumage symbolising strength, freedom, and the spirit of Africa.
Add to InquiryAll originals include a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist. Framing and international shipping can be arranged — ask in your inquiry.
Inquire About a PieceGet in Touch
Contact
Whether you're interested in a commission, an available painting, or just want to say hello — Michael reads every message personally.
Response time is typically within 48 hours. For urgent inquiries or exhibition requests, include that in your message.
Location
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Studio visits
By appointment