Solly Manthata
Born: 31 May 1962
Hometown: Germiston, South Africa
Based in: Rustenburg, South Africa
Solly Manthata is a self-taught South African artist known for his vibrant landscapes that celebrate the natural beauty and cultural richness of Southern Africa. Born in Germiston in 1962 to a working-class family — his mother a domestic worker from the Eastern Cape and his father a mine clerk — Solly’s early life was shaped by the realities of South Africa’s mining towns and the resilience of its communities.
In 1964, when the mines in Germiston closed, the Manthata family relocated to Carletonville, where Solly spent most of his childhood alongside his three sisters and brother. Amid the turbulence of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, his father made the decision to move the family to Limpopo to continue their education in a safer environment. It was here, surrounded by the open landscapes and natural beauty of the province, that Solly’s lifelong love for art deepened.
Although he began drawing at the age of nine, Solly’s formal career initially took a different path. After matriculating, he entered the mining industry, working for over two decades in Human Resources. Yet, his creative spirit remained undimmed. Following a career shift to Rustenburg, he eventually embraced his calling as a full-time artist — a decision that has been met with growing acclaim and demand for his work.
Solly’s paintings are deeply rooted in the South African landscape. With no formal art education, he credits his talent as a divine gift, nurtured by personal observation and a passion for expression. His work is particularly distinguished by colorful, idyllic depictions of farms, trees, rivers, and mountains — scenes that echo the tranquility and vibrance of rural Southern Africa.
A devoted admirer of legendary South African masters such as Adriaan Boshoff, Errol Boyley, Chris Tugwell, George Pemba, and Gerald Sekoto, Solly draws inspiration from their ability to portray the soul of the nation through paint. His own artistic philosophy reflects a poetic vision:
“Visual art is silent poetry of colours and images.”
Solly Manthata continues to live and work in Rustenburg, where he paints full-time. His work is steadily gaining recognition among collectors and art lovers alike, a testament to both his raw talent and the deeply personal narratives that shine through every brushstroke.
