Origins & Early Life

Gerard Sekoto OIG (9 December 1913 – 20 March 1993), was a South African artist and musician. He is recognised as a pioneer of urban black art and social realism. His work was exhibited in Paris, Stockholm, Venice, Washington, and Senegal, as well as in South Africa. Sekoto was born on 9 December 1913 at the Lutheran Mission Station in Botshabelo, near Middelburg, Eastern Transvaal (now known as Mpumalanga).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He was the son of Andreas Sekoto, a leading member of new Christian converts. Sekoto learned at Wonderhoek, which was established by his father, a priest and teacher. As the son of a missionary, he experienced music as a part of his life and was introduced to the family harmonium at an early age. As a child, Sekoto would draw with chalk, paper, and colored pencils. His art skills emerged in his teenage years, when he attended the Diocesan Teachers Training College in Pietersburg.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

This school, unlike most, featured drawing classes and other craftwork. Grace Dieu had a number of skilled woodcarvers producing sculptures on commission as well as for competitions such as the annual South African Academy exhibition. The sculptor Ernest Mancoba was a close friend of Sekoto...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Albert Camus — Contemporary (Born in 1913) (1913): Philosopher and writer known for Absurdism, The Stranger, and The Plague.
• Albert Ellis — Contemporary (Born in 1913) (1913): Pioneering figure in psychotherapy, founder of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
• Alfred Russel Wallace — Contemporary (Died in 1913) (1913): Naturalist and explorer who independently conceived the theory of evolution.
• Adam Ondra — Contemporary (Born in 1993) (1993): Czech professional rock climber, specializing in lead, bouldering, and competition.
• Agnes de Mille — Contemporary (Died in 1993) (1993): Pioneering American choreographer known for blending ballet with modern dance.
• Ajahn Buddhadasa — Contemporary (Died in 1993) (1993): Pioneering Thai Buddhist monk known for reinterpreting doctrine and fostering religious reformation.
• Al-Biruni — Shared historical date (12-09 · Died) (1048): Khwarazmian polymath, pioneering in science, history, and comparative religion.
• Alexandros Papagos — Shared historical date (12-09 · Born) (1883): Greek military leader and politician who served as Prime Minister of Greece (1952-1955).
• Alex Gorsky — Shared historical date (03-20 · Born) (1960): American businessman, former Chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson.
• B. F. Skinner — Shared historical date (03-20 · Born) (1904): Pioneering behaviorist who developed operant conditioning and radical behaviorism.
• 1913 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1913
• December 9 (12-09) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 9
• 1993 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1993
• March 20 (03-20) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on March 20