THULANI GANKCA

Raised between Gauteng (Thokoza) and Engcobo village in the Eastern Cape, Gankca’s art is deeply informed by his life journey and the duality of urban and rural experiences. His creative practice blends traditional and contemporary techniques, anchored by a strong visual storytelling language. After completing Matric in 2011 at Thoko-Thaba High School, he earned a Diploma in Human Resources Management from Ekurhuleni West College in 2018. In 2023, he obtained a Professional Printmaking Certificate from Artist Proof Studio (APS), where he was awarded the prestigious Ubuntu Award during his second year, and in 2024 he completed a bridging course in Archives and Records Management at UNISA.

Gankca’s work has also been selected for the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP4) and commissioned by the National Museum under the mentorship of Christiaan Diedericks in 2024. He has been mentored by Qhamanande Maswana as a resident studio assistant and has participated in several group exhibitions both locally and internationally. He lives and works full-time at Ellis House Studios, Johannesburg.

Gankca’s work explores the deep psychological currents and essence of culture and identity, particularly its fragmented state during processes of remembrance and integration. Drawing from his personal journey, ancestral lineage, and self-discovery, he intertwines visual storytelling through painting and printmaking. His practice uses archives and portraits of women from his community to examine the influence and dominance of Western culture in relation to African cultural identity.