Head of a Child

Head of a Child is a perfect example of Motjuoadi’s drawing ability and his mastery of painting technique. His subject matter was generally observational, drawn from his immediate social surroundings, which were impoverished black townships, but transformed through his sense of perspective, proportion and colour.

This poignant portrait was used as the cover image for the catalogue of the influential exhibition The Neglected Tradition, held at the Johannesurg Art Gallery in 1988–1989, and curated by Steven Sack.

Artwork courtesy of University of Fort Hare.