Malangatana Valente Ngwenya

Place: Matalana

Born: 1936

Death: 2011

Biography:

Malangatana Valente Ngwenya, a renowned Mozambican painter and poet, was born on June 6, 1936, in Matalana, a village in the south of Portuguese Mozambique. He frequently exhibited his work under his first name alone, as Malangatana. Ngwenya's early life was marked by attendance at mission schools and helping his mother on the farm, while his father worked in the Transvaal region as a miner.

Early Career and Influences

After his mother suffered a mental health crisis, Malangatana lived by himself, supported by relatives for a period. At the age of 12, he went to the city of Lourenço Marques (now Maputo) to find work, becoming a ball boy for a tennis club in 1953. This allowed him to resume his education, and he took night classes, through which he developed an interest in art. He was encouraged by Augusto Cabral, a member of the tennis club, who gave him materials and helped him to sell his art.

Artistic Style and Exhibitions

Malangatana's artistic style is characterized by its unique blend of traditional Mozambican themes and modern techniques. His work was exhibited in various countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Rhodesia, Angola, France, England, Pakistan, and India. In 1961, he participated in his first international exhibition in Nigeria, which marked the beginning of a prolific period of exhibitions. Some notable works by Malangatana include:

• The Blue Vase, a painting that showcases his unique style and technique.
• Three Musicians, a cubist work that highlights his ability to experiment with different styles.
• Sad Presentiment, a romantic piece that demonstrates his emotional depth.

Awards and Recognition

Malangatana received several awards and recognition for his contributions to Mozambican culture. He was awarded the Nachingwea Medal for his contribution to Mozambican culture and was made a Grande Oficial da Ordem do Infante D. Henrique. In 1997, he was named a UNESCO Artist for Peace and received a Prince Claus Award.

Legacy

Malangatana's legacy extends beyond his own work, as he helped to establish several cultural institutions in Mozambique. He was also a founder of the Mozambican Peace Movement. His work can be found in the collection of the National Museum of African Art in Washington, DC. For more information about Malangatana Valente Ngwenya and his work, visit Wikioo.org. You can also explore the National Museum of Contemporary Art - Museu do Chiado in Lisbon, Portugal, which features some of his notable works. Additionally, the Museum of Modern Art Aloisio Magalhães in Recife, Brazil, has a collection of his paintings.