PHILLIP RIKHOTSO (1945 – 2015)
Bird Man
date unknown
sculpture
size unknown
BIOGRAPHY
Born in Daniel Rababalela village in Dzumeri, near Giyani, Limpopo, sculptor Phillip Rikhotso learned the art of wood carving from his grandfather.
Rikhotso tapped into Tsonga folklore, myths and legends to create his human, animal and otherworldly figures, with their exaggerated features and garish colours. He embellished his creatures with earrings and animal fur, like the billy-goat beards of the Malakalaka, the long-legged tortoises with their outstretched necks. He often added quirky details, like nail polish and bright white buck-teeth, to enhance the magical storytelling element that is so prominent in his work.
Rikhotso was awarded joint first prize (along with painter/animator Tanya Poole) in the Brett Kebble Art Awards (BKAA) in 2004, propelling him into the mainstream contemporary art scene.
[South African businessman Brett Kebble was murdered in 2005, two years after establishing the BKAA. Intended to showcase the best and brightest of South African artists, the BKAA afforded an opportunity for emerging and less well known artists to gain exposure.]
In July 2005, an exhibition of Rikhotso’s work (accompanied by a catalogue) was held at Gallery MOMO in Johannesburg.
In September 2007, Rikhotso participated in The Annual Sibikwa Storytelling Festival, presented by Sibikwa Arts Centre, Benoni. The acclaimed sculptor demonstrated his carving skills, sharing his skills with the youth, while his daughter Alice, a storyteller, explained stories that provided her with the inspiration for many of her works. A play that portrays Rikhotso’s life, House of Zombies, was performed at the festival. The festival’s line-up also included acclaimed storyteller Gcina Mhlophe, who has published a number of children’s books.
Rikhotso is recognised among other major Limpopo artists – such as Jackson Hlungwani, Johannes Maswanganyi, Noria Mabasa and John Baloyi – who have achieved international acclaim. His work has been shown in major exhibitions in South Africa and abroad. It is included in The Limpopo Heritage Collection, which aims to preserve Limpopo’s rich cultural heritage for future generations, invest in Limpopo’s creative economy and to create a sustainable foundation for the artists of tomorrow.