Have a wonderful Valentines day

A 1994 pastel sketch titled, Have a wonderful Valentine's Day by the South African artist, Tommy Motswai (b.1963). The drawing is a satire playing on the sometimes imagined or even faked happiness that people commercial experience on Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on the 14 February. This work was purchased in 1994 by the University of Pretoria from the Goodman Art Gallery in Johannesburg.Tommy Motswai was deaf-born in 1963. As an artist, this artwork explores the joy of urban spaces and the noise it represents visually. Although this artwork by Tommy Motswai is a Valentine's day celebration, it shows the pleasure Motswai finds when people gather. The artists’ works also show subtleties and humor found within the relationship and the changing political and social environment of South Africa. It is this social and multicultural environment which the artist loves to explore with his disability as a deaf artist. Motswai studied at Kutlwanong School for the Deaf near the town of Rustenburg. Motswai has since become a well-known figure in South African art as his works are widely represented in both local and international galleries. He has won several awards including, the Standard Bank Young Artists award. His delightful art works usually capture the essence of vibrant South African society – its diversity, colour, humour and reveals a fine sense of sparkling wit and observation.