Mfundo Mthiyane was born in 1991 in Durban and currently lives and works in Johannesburg, South Africa. After graduating with a Diploma in Multimedia Studies at the Centre for Fine Art, Animation and Design College, Mthiyane earned his stripes in design at a number of studios and advertising agencies in Johannesburg. His love for paintings saw Mthiyane pursue an artistic practice that is founded on exploring and critiquing social and spiritual norms through figurativism and portraiture.

Mthiyane’s most recent body of work is entitled “in search of the miraculous” inspired by Russian philosopher P.D Ouspensky’s book of the same name. Doves appear frequently as they symbolise hope, peace, harmony and love energy as is abundant in the universe waiting for us to embrace it.

Mthiyane’s work is about human nature, self awareness and questioning everything in reality.

The paintings permeate with symbols that often relate to human psyche and our relation to the surrounding world. His aim is to keep the viewer’s attention for a longer moment to make them reflect and contemplate. His style of painting is influenced by the surrealism art movement. He derives inspiration from books, metaphors, allegories, mythology, philosophy, conversations with people and his surroundings.

Mthiyane has participated in a number of group exhibitions including “Emerge” at The Station House DSTP in Florida, USA and the “Portrait Show” at Everard Read in Johannesburg. Mthiyane was awarded the SAFFCA Artist of The Month in September 2020, which resulted in a two man exhibition titled “In Search” alongside emerging artist Lindo Zwane .