Michael Manga (Kuna)
Born in 1975 in Serekunda, The Gambia, West Africa. A self-taught artist. Started painting in 1992 doing mainly research and experimental works on techniques and materials with watercolors and oils before finally venturing into acrylics, a medium he found more appealing to his style and approach. In the year 2000 he met the great Gambian painter and genius, the late Baboucarr Etu Ndow and their encounter developed into a close working relationship and friendship, and the la)er’s influence and impact could be felt in most of Michael’s works even to this present day. Started Kalobon Studios in the year 2002 where he paints and works and now transformed part of it into Tesito Art Gallery. He enjoys working in artist organizations and groups geared toward the upliftment and growth of art in the Gambia. And since 2004 have been rigorously involved in the coordination of various art movements and events geared towards the promotion of the sector. Most notable among these events was the popular Art from the Gambia exhibition which nurtured and ushered in a lot of young Gambian talents into the sector around the early 2000 and beyond. Michael is an ever-willing enthusiast who is always ready to render his services and time to the development of the art sector in the Gambia, especially mentorship and creating pathways for the upcoming artists. His doors at Kalobon Studios and Tesito Art Gallery are always open to art lovers and artists alike.
Experience
2003 – 2008 Exhibition coordinator – Art from the Gambia
2008 – 2012 Secretary general – Artist Association of the Gambia
2014 – 2015 Interim secretary general – Visual Arts Association of the Gambia
2015 – 2020 Secretary General – Visual Arts Association of the Gambia
2020 – Ongoing Secretary General – Visual Arts Association of the Gambia