Albert Monyayi

Albert Monyayi discovered that art is a universal language, a form of expression flowing from the spirit world, through the artist and to the people.  He translates his spirituality into objects that all can understand.

Art and healing comes from our ancestors

He came to realize that art is a universal language, a form of expression flowing from the spirit world, through the artist and to the people in much the same way as healing powers are communicated from the ancestors through the traditional healer in African custom. The artist is thus a hidden treasure, the spiritual eye, a receiver of visions and energy to be translated into objects that all can understand. Monyayi says this is why God had placed him on Earth. “Mine is a spiritual inspiration, I’ve always known that”, he says, “I’m a piece of God”. (In interview with Pat Hopkins).

Albert Monyai in front of one of his sculptures at Madi a Thavha mountain lodge

Albert explains that he is deeply connected to his Venda ancestors and heritage

Albert Monyayi’s art in a collection at the University of Venda

In Albert Monyayi’s home studio in deep rural Venda

Life and art is the same for Monyayi

Spiritual significance of water

‘Man cannot live without water’, Albert explains. “All across Africa it is the most precious resource. It is of vast spiritual significance; water moves and flows, it is the giver and sustainer of life. In Venda, the custodian of water is the fish and its depiction pays homage to that which protects water, ensuring the prosperity and well-being of the community. In his art work fish are often used as a symbol of spirituality.”

Pile mountains lets the spirit free

Wood sculptor and traditional healer Albert Monyayi believes when God created the universe he was making art. In that broad spectrum he gave each plant a rustle, insects a sound, animals a call, every bird a song and people different colours, shapes and languages. He lives in the area of Tengwe, Venda, overlooking the Pile Mountains, a tall, majestic structure of natural architecture that lets the spirit free.

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