Jan Maanda Tshikuthula

Jan Maanda Tshikhuthula, born in 1983 in the quaint town of Tzaneen, South Africa, discovered his passion for art at the tender age of twelve, focusing initially on drawing and painting landscapes. His formal education in art commenced in 2005 at the Motongoni Art Academy in Tzaneen, where he was exposed to a variety of media including wood sculpture, papier-mâché, clay, and stone. Under the mentorship of academy founder Avhashoti Mainnganye, Jan's talent was nurtured and flourished.

Continuing his artistic journey, Jan attended the Artist Proof Studio in Johannesburg between 2009 and 2010, where he mastered various printmaking techniques. This experience was pivotal, shaping him into the artist he is today and opening doors to collaborate with renowned figures in the art world like William Kentridge, Kim Berman, and Nandipha Mthambo.

Jan's body of work has been showcased in numerous exhibitions, from his Venda solo exhibition at Lizamore & Associates in 2018 to participating in the esteemed ABSA L'Atelier competition as a finalist in 2013. His contributions to the art community extend beyond his personal creations, as he has been involved in several workshops and projects, including collaborations with William Kentridge and facilitation of awareness workshops in Venda with Kim Berman.

Among his accolades, Jan was honored as the Artist Proof Studio's Student of the Year in 2010 and has received multiple awards in the Vembe District Art Awards. His work not only reflects his technical prowess but also his deep engagement with the social and environmental landscapes of his upbringing, making Jan Maanda Tshikhuthula a significant voice in contemporary South African art.

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