Artist's Biography

"Avhashoni Maingane was born 1957, in Phiphidi, in Venda.  He now lives with his family in Thohoyandou.  Avhashoni does not describe himself as a poet, but consciously surrounds himself with poets.  One specific influence was Ingwabele Madingwane, a prominent activist and poet ('the Ghetto-voice'). His poem 'Mother Spirit' was a great inspiration for Avhashoni.  His aim is to create art awareness, initiate arts education in Venda, and unveil other artists. His dream is to open a museum and manage his own art studio."
 

Excerpt from an article on South African art by Andries Loots:
“1976 saw the ultimate in black art development which would change the art scene in South Africa forever.  Riots and unrest in the Townships started all over the country.  Artists were trapped in a world of violence.  The Resistance Art movement was born.  The artists felt that although they were not part of the physical struggle they had to do something to help fight the injustices.  They took up paint and brushes as weapons against the oppressor.  Artists like Billy Mandini (1967–), Paul Sibisi (1948–), David Koloane (1938–), Avashoni Mainganye, Lucas Seage (1956–), Tyrone Appoliss (1957–) and Willie Bester (1956 –) were all seen as resistance artists.  They didn’t see art as natural and objective but as a weapon against oppression.”
 

Artist's Diary

As the Tanera Mor International Artists Workshop residency progresses in the first two weeks of June 2007, artists will use this web page to post work in progress, along with their thoughts about the residency.  You can communicate with the artist by using the form at the foot of this page to leave your own feedback and questions.
 

Friday 8 June 2007 - Blog

In my language, Luvenda, they say “utshimbila ndi u vhona” which is literally translated as “to travel is to see.”

I think politicians should come and learn from the artists, as Mangaliso Robert Sobukwe once said, “to live in harmony with nature and with each other as one human race – the human race.”

At first I was disappointed, sensing that the workshop lacked the energy of others I have attended. Then I realised that it offers more in terms of human relationships. Through the boat trips, we all work together as a team/crew. And the experience and the inspiration gained here would make the river of our creative being flow into the greater oceans of our spiritual being.

Whatever we do, let’s pay homage to the ancient mariners who perished in the deep waters of the sea and to those who once lived on the island of Tanera Mor.
 

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