Avhashoni Maingane

Biography

Avhashoni Maingane was born in 1957 in Phiphidi, Venda. He now lives with his family in Thohoyandou.

In 1981, Avhashoni enrolled at the Rorkes Drift Art School in Kwa-Zulu Natal and completed an art diploma in two years. In 1983 he returned to Venda and had a two person exhibition at the converted ladies bar at the Thohoyandou Hotel with Nthambeleni. Back at home, he became a local cultural activist to revive the energy of the artists in Venda.

In 1985 he came to Johannesburg and enrolled at Fundi Art Centre in Soweto, which was initiated by Matsemela Manaka and its first director, Steven Sack. He took part in the Ussalep / Thuphelo Workshops which were an interaction between local and international artists.

Avhashoni’s aim is to create art awareness, initiate arts education in Venda and unveil other artists. His dream is to open a museum and manage his own art studio.