Sthu Manaka

South Africa

"My work is about my personal obsession with the spirit realm, how the spirit moves, unpacking masculinity, how to love without colour nor gender. How the spirit is honest, raw and faceless in its movement."

MEET

Sthu Manaka

Mthuthuzeli (Sthu) Manaka is a self-taught contemporary abstract portrait painter based in Johannesburg, South Africa. His work has been showcased in notable venues such as Studio Nxumalo, Kalashnikov, Rust en Vrede Gallery, Youngblood CPT, The Turbine Art Fair, the FNB Art Fair, and the Capital Tshwane Art Fair. Internationally, he has exhibited with Van Der Plas Gallery in New York and M.A.D.S Gallery in Venice, Italy.

Sthu's art has made significant social contributions, including raising a million rands with Tastic Rice South Africa to support university students in South Africa. Additionally, he raised funds for children in Ethiopia with Amref Health Africa by participating in an ArtBall held in Brooklyn, New York, where his work was auctioned on Artsy.

His art explores his personal obsession with the spirit realm, the movement of the spirit, and the unpacking of masculinity. He delves into themes of love beyond color and gender, portraying the spirit as honest, raw, and faceless in its movement. Sthu's work invites viewers to engage with these profound concepts through his evocative abstract portraits.

FROM OUR BLOGUE
Intersections #3
The 3rd edition of the "Intersections" exhibition, which ran from 12 to 14 July, was a real success, celebrating Angola's vibrant contemporary art and offering attendees an unforgettable experience. The exhibition was supported by several brands that presented innovative experiences during the pre-opening. Read on to find out more
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Art with Impact: Study visit to the Afro Renaissance exhibition
As part of our "Art with Impact" series, we explore how art can transform perspectives and foster meaningful dialogue. During the "Afro Renaissance" exhibition at Quinta da Fidalga, we had the joy of receiving guided tours from various institutions. One visit in particular stands out: a school that brought three classes - two pre-schoolers and a third grader.
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Brands with Art: Rómulo Santa Rita and the Cosal Group
On the vibrant African contemporary art scene, collaborations between artists and brands have become a powerful way of telling stories and creating meaningful connections. One notable example is the partnership between renowned Angolan artist Rómulo Santa Rita and the Cosal Group, which resulted in the creation of the cover for the book "Superbrands Angola 2023".
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Meet our Women Power
These 12 extraordinary women bring their unique voices to the contemporary art scene, enriching our platform and the art world with their distinct and innovative perspectives. By celebrating their achievements, we join together in promoting a more inclusive and diverse artistic environment, where women's voices are heard, respected and celebrated.
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Cosal x Walter Fernandes: Innovation
At the forefront of innovation and creativity, the COSAL - Comérico e Serviços de Angola group challenged the traditional boundaries of brand activation during the first Afrikanizm exhibition. In a pioneering collaboration with Walter Fernandes, one of the exhibition's featured artists, Cosal transformed one of its most emblematic products - the car - into a canvas of artistic expression. Discover how this union not only redefines the concept of marketing and branding, but also celebrates cultural identity and the power of innovation.
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