Jerry Lion Motau

Jerry Lion was born on the 3rd of March 1975 in Ga Kgapane in the Limpopo province in South Africa. His father, Judah Lion, and his uncle, Julian Motau, were also artists before they passed away. Jerry discovered his gift at an early age. On noticing his talent, his father encouraged him to draw in pencil and do sketches for practice. From then, the artist never looked back. His passion for pencil is evident in some of his works on show at the Alice Art Gallery in Ruimsig. He came to Johannesburg In the year 2000 in search of greener pastures and to become a full-time artist based in Johannesburg, the city of opportunities. In Johannesburg, he met some prominent local artists who inspired and encouraged him to pursue art. He also had workshops with some of them and was able to benefit from their tutelage. Arlindo Maunde, an artist from Mozambique, has managed to create a bond with Jerry through working and selling art together. While both artists use the same subject matter their work differs in art mediums as well as the techniques. Jerry lives and works in Hillbrow a vibrant part of Johannesburg where he draws most of his inspiration from, recording moments in time about life in Jozi taverns or children playing.