Thato Motana (b. 1991) is a South African independent fine artist who lives and works in Polokwane. Describing himself as a theological aesthete; he is self-taught, and has been practicing fine arts since 2016. Thato has showcased his work in group exhibitions at the Pretoria Art Museum, Number Four Museum – Constitution Hill, Oliewenhuis Art Museum and Polokwane Art Museum.
He’s the recipient of the 2019 Thami Mnyele Fine Arts Awards: ‘Art on Paper Merit Award’, and also a Sasol New Signatures 2019 finalist. Art Bank of South Africa is a collector of his work, and Business and Arts South Africa has notably nominated him for the Department of Arts and Culture “Debut Awards” (2019).
As a witness of ‘Domestic Violence’ at home, my photographic body of work reflects on the conflict and anger towards both my parents, memories of violence and emotions such as self-blame, guilt, confusion due to age difference and silence during my childhood. My photographs have been captured interactions with representations of me as the survivor. I also revisit my childhood experiences.
I have focused on producing still life photographs.
