Avhashoni Mainganye, one of the most renowned cultural activists in Africa, takes immense pride in the achievements of his cultural school, the Matongoni Art School, located in Thohoyandou. Over the years, this institution has nurtured numerous notable wood sculptors and painters, both within South Africa and internationally.
Mainganye is a multifaceted artist, adept at painting, sculpting, and printmaking, with more than four decades of experience. His expertise extends to teaching art, photography, cultural activism, and poetry. He has played a pivotal role in fostering artistic growth and endeavours in Limpopo.
His artistic journey has led him to participate in various art fairs worldwide, spanning countries such as the USA, Switzerland, Canada, Chile, the Netherlands, Taiwan, Botswana, and the UK. His deep understanding and appreciation of art are evident in his captivating paintings and diverse artworks showcased at the centre.
During an interview with Limpopo Mirror on 29 July, Mainganye said that the inspiration behind starting the Matongoni Art Academy had come from the late cultural activist Matsemela Manaka. Mainganye recalled Manaka's challenging his students in Johannesburg, saying, "You guys come here from all over the country to study art in Jo'burg and get stuck afterwards. Why don't you go back home and start something there?" This call to action has been the driving force behind Mainganye's work ever since.
Mainganye's artwork and poetry are deeply rooted in Venda spirituality. He explained, "For a Venda artist, carving wood – whether as a craft or a valuable sculpture – is second nature. This is due to the availability of quality carving wood and the presence of skilled wood sculptors across South Africa."
When asked about his motivation for sharing his extensive knowledge with the world and local artists, Mainganye expressed that as a seasoned artist and a student of numerous masters, he felt a responsibility to impart his accumulated wisdom to his immediate community.
Mainganye has a wealth of teaching experience. He has been invited to teach painting and printmaking at institutions such as Coker University in South Carolina, USA, and has conducted wood-sculpture workshops at schools in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. He has also been involved in various local projects, including arts and crafts woodcarving workshops as part of the Grahamstown Arts Festival and the Soul of Africa art workshop organised by prominent institutions.