Thembalethu Manqunyana, born in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, is a painter, sculptor and printmaker who draws inspiration from Western theory and African art.
He is influenced by the Neo-expressionism master, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Pablo Picasso’s Cubism period.
Manqunyana creates his paintings using oil – making use of bright colours, and describes his style as ‘free form’.
Through his artwork, Manqunyana aims to create opportunities and provide support for artists in disadvantaged communities.
He has also contributed to the Spier Arts Trust’s Creative Block programme, and some of his artworks were purchased for the Nando’s Art Collection.
He said: “Whilst I was part of Gutsche Family Investment Art Gallery in Port Elizabeth, Hayley Grinstead and Robyn Sharwood encouraged me to apply for Creative Block and I applied with enthusiasm,”
“In 2019, I received an email from Spier Arts Trust with an invitation to apply for Creative Exchange. I submitted my application and was accepted into it.”
See more of his work here.
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