Malangatana. The Eye of the Crocodile

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.

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.

Program

Excerpt from the video “The Other Side” A letter from Mozambique.

Memories of Malangatana in Austria:

• Minna Antova, joint mural for the UN Human Rights Conference in Vienna in 1993 together with Malangatana and Berry Bickle (Zimbabwe)
• Veronika Berger, active in the Malangatana mural project together with schoolchildren and in the Linzerstraße School partnership project with the school in Maputo, Polana Caniço
• Gerd Haslinger, mural painting project with EZA in 5th district of Vienna
• Inge Jäger, retired member of parliament, active in the SPÖ Women’s Carpet Project with Malangatana and in the Parliamentary North-South Dialogue with Mozambique
• Concept, design, and moderation: Margit Niederhuber

Conversation with Richard Gray about Africa and modernity

Musical interlude: John Ntsepe from South Africa on the piano

In cooperation with SADOCC (Southern Africa Documentation and Cooperation Center).
https://www.galda-verlag.de/product/malangatana-the-eye-of-the-crocodile/

Lecture in German language
To participate in the event, all guests need a valid museum ticket.
Participation is free for annual ticket holders, Weltmuseum Wien Friends, Patrons, Members and Ambassadors as well as ICOM members and holders of the Kulturpass.
Registration: online (Link to follow)
Meeting point: WMW Forum