Thamsanga Mnyele

Place: Alexandra

Born: 1948

Death: 1985

Biography:

Thamsanqa Mnyele was a South African artist associated with the anti-apartheid politics of the African National Congress and the Black Consciousness Movement. Born on December 10, 1948, in Alexandra, Johannesburg, Mnyele's artistic career took off in the 1970s when he produced works dealing with the emotional and human consequences of oppression. By the 1980s, his work followed the trajectory of the movement resisting apartheid, celebrating African strength and unity against the oppressors.

Early Life and Education

Mnyele's father was a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and his mother was a domestic worker. He was sent away from the crime-ridden township to a boarding school in a village northwest of Pretoria when he was eight. This experience had a profound impact on his life and art. In 1973, he spent several months studying at the Swedish Lutheran art center, Rorke's Drift in Natal, where he met many other young men who were inspired by the ideas of the Black Consciousness Movement.

Artistic Career and Activism

Mnyele's artistic career was marked by his association with the anti-apartheid politics of the African National Congress and the Black Consciousness Movement. His work dealt with the emotional and human consequences of oppression, and he became a key figure in the movement. In 1979, he moved to Gaborone, Botswana, where he joined the art troupe, Medu Art Ensemble, with his friend, poet Wally Serote. The ensemble published newsletters and held a famous conference in 1982 entitled "Culture and Resistance." Mnyele's work can be seen in the context of other South African artists, such as Alexis Preller, who also dealt with themes of oppression and resistance. Preller's painting, The Kraal, is an example of this. Mnyele's own work was influenced by the Black Consciousness Movement, which emphasized the importance of African strength and unity.

Legacy and Death

Mnyele's legacy as an artist and anti-apartheid activist continues to be celebrated today. His work can be found in various museums, including the Iziko South African National Gallery. In June 1985, Mnyele was killed by South African commandos while in exile in Botswana. His death was a tragic loss for the art world and the anti-apartheid movement.

• For more information on Thamsanqa Mnyele, visit Swedish Lutheran art center.
• Read about the Black Consciousness Movement on Medu Art Ensemble.
• Explore the art of Alexis Preller and other South African artists on Culture and Resistance.

Mnyele's life and work serve as a testament to the power of art in resisting oppression and promoting social change. His legacy continues to inspire artists and activists today, and his work remains an important part of South African history and culture. Visit Alexis Preller to learn more about other South African artists and their contributions to the country's rich cultural heritage.