Although Hlungwani spent his earlier years working in a mine near Polokwane (then Pietersburg) as well as in Johannesburg (like many migrant labourers from former Gazankulu), he returned to his home at Mbhokota to pursue his religious ministry to which his woodcarvings are devoted. His works are often quirky representations of the divine on earth and references to his own versions of biblical imagery such as a mermaid with long-haired representing Eva (Eve) and Christ Playing Football, both on exhibition.

Other works on the exhibition are sambals (carved bowls) walking sticks and staffs and of course the fish which are most closely symbolic of Hlungwani’s works and his Christian beliefs.

Although it is clear that Hlungwani has produced prolific works since his emergence in the mid-1980’s when he exhibited in both Tributaries (a BMW sponsored exhibition which travelled to Germany, curated by Ricky Burnett) and The Neglected Tradition (Johannesburg Art Gallery, curated by Steven Sack) and has works in many collections in South Africa and abroad, it is clear that the artist struggles to survive and support his growing extended family. He feels abandoned by the art world who has often exploited him.

This exhibition aims to revive Hlungwani’s spirit in Cape Town by recognizing our greatest living treasure from the North, and to give much needed support.

(Kathy Coates, October 2006)