Thembalethu Manqunyana, a talented artist from Gqeberha , has been making waves in the art scene with his captivating paintings and sculptures. Born in 1984, Manqunyana discovered his passion for art at a young age and has been honing his skills ever since. From his humble beginnings on the dusty streets of Kwazakhele, he has risen to become one of the most promising artists in the Eastern Cape.
Manqunyana’s artistic journey began when he studied Art and Design at Port Elizabeth College from 2005 to 2006. His passion for fine art led him to pursue a degree in Fine Art (Sculpture) at Nelson Mandela University from 2007 to 2011. During his time at university, he actively participated in various art projects, including a public mural at Zwide Stadium for the Raga Bolo Smirnoff Tournament.
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Manqunyana’s artistic prowess continued to flourish during his time at Rhodes University. He worked as a Gallery Assistant at the Albany Museum during the National Arts Festival in 2012, where he had the opportunity to assist renowned artist Clare Menck in curating her solo exhibition. He also participated in exhibitions featuring prominent designers like Laduma Ngxokolo of Maxhosa, showcasing his versatility and ability to collaborate with artists from various disciplines.
After years of collaborations and contributions to group exhibitions, Thembalethu Manqunyana held his first solo exhibition at ARTEC in 2017. This marked a significant milestone in his career, allowing him to showcase his unique artistic vision and tell his own story through his artwork. He also had another solo exhibition at the MOK Gallery, Muratie Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and sought-after artist.
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In 2018, Manqunyana’s talent and hard work were recognized when he won the Most Promising Artist in the Eastern Cape award at ARTEC’s Annual Exhibition. The same year, he exhibited his thought-provoking show “Western African Ideologies” at the GFI Art Gallery in Port Elizabeth. Additionally, he showcased his exceptional artwork in the exhibition “Spirit of the Art” at the MOK Gallery, Muratie Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.
