‘The journey to the city is an archetypal South African story. Rooted in forced migrant labour, the move to urban life is for many millions a story of the challenging landscape of the heart. It radiates through South Africa's fine arts scene. Jan Tshikhuthula is one example.

‘Born and raised in Tzaneen, Limpopo, he received his original fine art education in Venda. He then travelled to Jozi [Johannesburg]. A graduate of Newtown's Artist Proof Studio, he started with print-making, but in recent years has included charcoal and soft pastel landscapes that capture where he's come from and where he's going to.’ (Andrew Miller, 2017)

Jan Tshikhuthula was born in Tzaneen, South Africa, in 1983. In 2005 he studied at the Matongoni Art Academy under the mentorship of acclaimed Venda artist Avhashoni Mainganye, who encouraged him to specialize in printmaking at the Artist Proof Studio. He then moved to Johannesburg where he obtained his Professional Printmaking Certificate from Artist Proof Studio in 2010. He continues to run a range of printmaking workshops with the Special Projects Outreach department at Artist Proof. 

Tshikhuthula’s work is characterised by a sophisticated and elegant sense of design allied with an impeccable technique and superb drawing skills. His work symbolises both power and movement, displaying his personal journey into finding the spirit of his grandfather.

‘The theme of my work,’ Tshikhuthula explains, ‘is Makhulu, which means ‘grandfather’ in Tshivenda. This is reminiscent of my upbringing and talks about my journey from the small town of Tzaneen (in Limpopo) to the big city of Johannesburg (in Gauteng).’ Tshikhuthula explores the issues as well as the joys shared by South Africans. ‘Life is moving into new forms and shapes,’ he comments. ‘So am I.’