Andrew Hastings Chodola was born in Blantyre and did his secondary education at Blantyre secondary school in early 90's after attending various primary schools in Lilongwe, where he grew up.
Soon after leaving school, he worked as a sign writer for two tobacco processing companies in Lilongwe until 1997 when he finally left to become a full time freelance artist. Through his persistent personal studies in art, he has become a skillful painter , becoming more and more well known.
He started drawing at a young age and is totally self-taught. His formidable talent and prolific output have won recognition and are continually drawing large audiences. His original pencil drawings and oil paintings hang in many places all over the world.
In 2008 ,he received two awards of excellence presented by the Vice President of Malawi, justice malewazi ,one for overall best art and one for best artworks from Art House Africa,a local art firm based in Lilongwe.In February 2014 he received his third award for best visual artist from the life of Youth creative organisation, which was presented by the Minister of Tourism and culture and very recently was awarded artist of the Decade by Art House Africa.
He has participated in over fifty exhibitions over the past twenty years in Malawi , the United kingdom, and in the USA . Over the years he has been able to train some upcoming artists including William Mwale , Innocent Bakali, Dennis Mpira and his two brothers.
Following his successes he has received commissions from UNICEF, UNC project, Barlor Foundation, Catholic Relief Services, and has recently concentrated on portrait commissions out of which he has been able to receive Portrait commissions from as far as the queen of Bahrain and major Malawian companies, like La farge Malawi , total Malawi, standard bank , mwaiwathu hospital and many others.
Andrews work can been seen on display for sale at all major galleries in Malawi and at his art studio in Lilongwe.
Currently ,he is working towards holding a major solo exhibition.
Gallery of my Art
