Justice Mathonsi

Justice Mathonsi was born in 1987 in Soweto and moved in 1990 to Ribugwani Village in Limpopo Province, South Africa. His upbringing in this vibrant rural community deeply informs the heart of his artistic practice.

Mathonsi pursued formal training in visual art and printmaking at the Artist Proof Studio in Johannesburg, where he successfully completed his studies in 2016. Since then, his work has been showcased in several prestigious galleries, earning recognition for its emotional depth and cultural richness.

Justice Mathonsi’s artistic vision is rooted in the people who have shaped his life—his family, friends, and the broader community. Raised not by his parents but by a collective of caring figures within his village, Mathonsi developed a profound appreciation for the elderly and young children who played pivotal roles in his upbringing. This reverence is a recurring theme in his work, which serves as a tribute to the unsung heroes who nurtured and supported him during his formative years.

His artwork often portrays the elderly and the young, drawing inspiration from the imagery and lived experiences of his village. These portrayals are not only intimate and heartfelt but also symbolic of gratitude, respect, and memory. By focusing on these figures, Justice Mathonsi creates a visual narrative that celebrates tradition, age, and the intergenerational bonds within his community.

Mathonsi employs a range of techniques including linocut, etching, charcoal, and painting. His distinctive style is marked by the use of bold colours, crosshatching, and stippling, which contribute to a rich textural quality. These techniques reflect his Tsonga heritage, particularly through patterns that honour his cultural roots.

His larger portrait works confront viewers with the often-overlooked contributions of women—especially grandmothers and other maternal figures—who play a central role in raising children. These women, typically humble and uncelebrated, are elevated to positions of honour and importance through Mathonsi’s markmaking and visual storytelling. In this way, his work functions as a personal archive, a living record of his family tree.

Currently, Justice Mathonsi is exhibiting his work at The Artists Gallery in Cape Town.