Manyaku Mashilo is set to showcase her first solo exhibition in the United States. The exhibition, titled “The Laying of Hands,” will be held at Southern Guild’s gallery in Melrose Hill, Los Angeles. It opens on February 13, 2025, and will run until May 3, 2025.
Mashilo’s new series of paintings focuses on womanhood. Through her art, she taps into themes like African spirituality, memory, community, and belonging. Her work honours the cultural traditions she grew up with.
In her mixed-media paintings and sculptures, Manyaku uses materials and objects that hold special meaning. These include wooden walking sticks, mounds of soil, herbs, oils, a traditional hut, and the Ntepa skirt, which is a symbol of womanhood in her culture. The presence of her grandmother is also significant in this exhibition, as she played a vital role in teaching Mashilo about cultural rituals and practices.
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Mashilo often draws inspiration from family photographs and portraits of people in her community. By doing this, she blends personal and collective memories. Her artwork offers a sneak peak into a world where African spirituality and identity are celebrated.
Before this exhibition, Manyaku showcased her work in various places, including Cape Town and London. Her art has been featured in exhibitions that are a part of several prestigious collections around the world.
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“The Laying of Hands” will run alongside another exhibition called “Taama” by Cheick Diallo, a renowned designer from Mali. While Manyaku’s work focuses on womanhood and spirituality, Diallo’s exhibition highlights his design practices and the revival of West African craftsmanship.
