Biography

Lebohang Motaung was born in Evaton, Gauteng in 1992. She studied at Vaal University of Technology where she got a Diploma in Fine Arts, (2013). At the end of 2013, Motaung came to Artist Proof Studio to visit and see what the possibilities were for her to enhance her printmaking skills. During her studies, in 2015, Motaung was selected to do a four-month residency at The School of Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, USA where she learned advanced intaglio techniques and contributed as an assistant printmaking teacher to the school’s programme. She also took up 8 months residency at The Project Space in Johannesburg. In 2020, she was part of The lockdown collection which was aimed at capturing the South Africa’s historic Covid-19 lockdown and supporting vulnerable artists. She was also one of the 16 artists who was part of the Give her a Crown campaign which was an initiative aimed at advocating more awareness about gender-based violence. In 2021 she was part of a museum show titled Textures The history and Art of Black Hair, Kent State University, Ohio, USA. She is currently practicing art as a full-time visual artist. 

Lebohang Motaung's work has been showcased at major art fairs in South Africa, including the Joburg Art Fair, Cape Town Art Fair, Latitudes Art Fair, and Turbine Art Fair, . Her presence at these prestigious events underscores her significant contribution to the contemporary art scene in South Africa and highlights the recognition and acclaim her innovative artwork has garnered within the art community. Her work ranges from printmaking, painting, drawing, sculpture and mixed media.

Artist Statement

As a fine artist and a hairstylist plaiting hair has always been part of my life. Over the years it has my area of research and art practice.I am fascinated by arrangements, patterns, and different textures. My mission has always been more than making women beautiful, I am committed through my work to portray a sense of confidence and contentment and reflect issues of shame, stereotypes and insults relating to  hair, African hair.

In my work, I use a wide range of mediums from linocut, etching, paper making and synthetic hair on paper. With my etchings and linocuts, I present the timeous and laborious process that I go through when plaiting hair. Hair can be a symbol of one’s identity it has the power to dictate how a person is seen.