“Malangatana: The Eye of the Crocodile” Book Launch

This is the first full-length book about Malangatana, informed by Richard Gray’s long friendship with the artist. His research provides fresh insights into the life and artistic achievements of a pioneer in the historical process by which western art and culture can no longer claim universality. Malangatana: the Eye of the Crocodile is thus an original contribution to the literature of decolonization and anti-racism. 

Gray gives priority toMalangatana’s words (to him and others) and a unique set of interviews with Malangatana’sfamily and friends at his birthplace in Mozambique and around the world. Thanks to the generosity of the Malangatana Valente Ngwenya Foundation, he also bases the book onunprecedented access to archive material. Malangatana’s archive at his atelier/family home in Maputo contains his hitherto unexamined correspondence and personal collection ofartworks. 

The chapters have sections about relevant examples, among them iconic but long unexhibited paintings and drawings. Many equally unseen photographs accompany Gray’stext.