Jan Tshikhuthula Presents Tshikhuwani

Tshikhuwani is a Venda word for Johannesburg, the city where Tshikhuthula is currently based. In Tshikhuthula’s previous work, depicting the Venda landscape, he gave viewers a front row seat into his history, heritage, and lineage. He created artworks in memory of his grandfather and the tales that he taught him about the kind of man he was. After his grandfather passed away it became challenging for the artist to identify his new journey. In this body of work Tshikhuthula aims to take the viewer on his journey of self-discovery. As he begins to pave his path in the city of Johannesburg, he claims he will never forget his roots and the likeness he shares with his grandfather.

In his new work water forms part of his new landscape and the landscape transforms into a cityscape representing his two worlds – his Limpopo heritage and his present life in Johannesburg. It is evident in his new body of work that Tshilkhuthula has taken a leap of faith in that he now sees himself as a city dweller with memories from his past that will always be depicted throughout his work. The energy in his new works and the direction he has taken, allows one to get lost in the new rising city especially in the pandemic we are all going through. He has planted a seed of growth and harvest in his new works, one that connects him with a city he was once afraid of. “Tshikhuwani is the beginning of my journey as an individual with the influence of my past and a future filled with excitement and anticipation for my journey ahead”, says Tshikhuthula.