Thembalethu Manqunyana: Ethnic Riddles

In January 2021, Thompson's Gallery presented six bold and exciting artworks by Thembalethu Manqunyana in our Contemporary South Africa exhibition. Then as now, we have been bowled over by the artist's originality and breadth of vision, which comprises an intricate visual lexicon of colours and forms. Manqunyana has drawn influence from Cubism and Neo-Expressionism, as well as the powerful imagery of Jean-Michel Basquiat, whilst appropriating motifs derived from his own lived experiences. Manqunyana's highly personalised approach has captured the attention of admirers and collectors the world over. We are therefore thrilled to debut 22 new and unseen paintings in what will be Manqunyana's first ever solo exhibition in the UK.

Ethnic Riddles pays particular attention to Manqunyana's tribal background of IsiXhosa.The artist's use of bold colour and disjointed fragments are reminiscent of many things that are African and not only signify his background. His style creates a visual dialogue which is intended to mark the growth that also instigates a departure from established identities. These variations of colour and images signify the inequalities and differences from a South African idiom towards a universal palette. He also creates emphasis around fusing ethnic symbols, sometimes his compositions are inspired by West African masks through multiplications of colours and imagery.

Thembalethu Manqunyana hails from Kwazakhele in Gqeberha, previously known as Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He discovered his passion for art at a very young age and harnessed his skills of painting throughout his childhood and adolescent stage. He pursued his dreams by studying Arts and Design at Port Elizabeth College from 2005-2006.Thereafter Fine Art (Sculpture) at Nelson Mandela University from 2007-2011.Thembalethu then proceeded with his art studies at Rhodes University form 2012-2013 attaining a Bachelor's degree of Fine Arts in Politics, Psychology, Art History,Visual Culture and Xhosa.