Born on July 1981 in Mozambique, Everaldo Matonse’s journey as an artist began quietly, shaped by the influence of his brother who first opened the door to drawing and experimentation. With only watercolours, pencil, and Gouache at his disposal, Matonse began creating and sharing his early pieces with people around Maputo, where the encouragement he received affirmed his growing dream of becoming a visual artist.

After relocating to South Africa, Matonse found a new home in Durban, where he now works as a full-time artist from his studio at the BAT centre. His practice has evolved from delicate early studies into a confident blend of portraiture, landscapes, and pattern-driven compositions. Over the years, his material has expanded to include acrylic on canvas, woodcut prints on Fabriano paper, oil pastels, and mixed media, each allowing him to communicate with Greater depth and emotional texture.

Much of Matonse’s work is rooted in the values passed down through his family: integrity, resilience, and gentleness. These principles continue to guide his understanding of himself and his place in the world. The repetition of patterns found throughout his recent artworks reflects the layered memories of his personal journey, navigating life in a foreign country that has slowly become home. Through colour, rhythm, and form, his artworks trace the emotional landscape of identity, migration, and belonging.

Matonse’s artistic path has included participation in workshops such as the Refugee Day Workshop with children(2007) and the Found Object Workshop at Umkhumbane(2009), as well as numerous exhibitions including Ukuzalwa (BAT Centre, 2007), annual collective exhibitions at the Durban Art Gallery(2007-2008), One Step Forward(2012),  Transformation, Activation, and Incubation(KZNSA Gallery,2015) and 4FsSakes(2002).