Molokeng, Billy

Molokeng was born in Alexandra Township, Johannesburg in 1949. He began his career as an artist with no formal training, holding his first solo exhibition at Dorkey House in Braamfontein, Johannesburg in 1968. In 1971, Billy Molokeng studied art under Peter Eliastam. Six solo exhibitions followed in the seventies and eighties, including a solo exhibition in Braunschweig, Germany in 1980. His work has also been included in several group exhibitions in South Africa, Germany, the Netherlands, Greece, Italy and Israel. Billy Molokeng is primarily a fine artist blending very modern abstract forms and techniques with organic African motifs. The works are colorful, drawing the viewer’s eye to subtle imagery and textures. He works in oils, watercolors, gouache, conte pencil and charcoal. In 1981, Molokeng received the Republic Festival Painting Award. In addition to his skills in fine art fine art - Billy Molokeng is well known for his tapestry designs and leatherwork. He is also a talented musician, composing and singing under the name Billy Africa. Molokeng’s work is included in several important collections, including The Sanlam Collection, ABSA Bank, Unisa, The Martin Britz Collection, Standard Bank, and the University of Fort Hare.