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This is the first full-length book about Malangatana. It is an original contribution to the literature of decolonization and antiracism. Richard Gray's work gives fresh insights into the life and artistic achievements of a groundbreaking artist who helped trigger the historical process by which western art and culture can no longer claim universality. He gives priority to Malangatana's words (to him and others) and a unique set of interviews with Malangatana's family and friends carried out at his birthplace in Mozambique and around the world. Thanks to the generosity of the Malangatana Valente Ngwenya Foundation, which curates the artist's legacy, Gray also bases the book on unprecedented access to archive material. Malangatana's archive at his atelier/family home in Maputo contains his hitherto unexamined correspondence and personal collection of artworks. Gray's chapters have sections about relevant examples. Among the highlights are iconic but long unexhibited paintings of the mid-1980s. Equally rare photographs accompany the text.
About the author
Born in 1950, Richard Gray lives in London. He has worked in teaching, community publishing and people's history, but none of these experiences was more memorable or formative than being a "cooperante internacionalista" in newly independent Mozambique (1977-1981). Richard taught History in the northern province of Nampula. A highlight was working with Malangatana on a national campaign to reclaim Mozambican history and culture from five centuries of colonial repression. The friendship which began then informs this book.
