Biography
Rikhotso, who was born in Mamitwa in 1945 near Dzumeri in former Gazankulu in the Limpopo Province, started wood-carving in 1977 and takes as his inspiration, the rich and varied XiTsonga folktales of his childhood. He now lives in Daniel Village with his wife and children, two of whom have followed in their father’s creative footsteps.
Phillip Rikhotso was thrust into the spotlight in 2004 when he was awarded joint first prize in the Brett Kebble Art Awards. In July 2005 an exhibition of his work was held at Gallery Momo in Johannesburg and the accompanying catalogue showed his remarkable creativity and ability to carve animals and people that illustrate Tsonga and Shangaan legends and myths. Artworks by Rhikhotso are often closely linked to traditional ideas and beliefs. He is an artist who moves easily between the traditional and commercial art worlds. His works have been shown in major exhibitions and are accepted into mainstream galleries in South Africa and abroad.