Thami Jali (b. 1955) is a South African painter and sculptor from Lamontville, Durban. He developed an early interest in creativity, inspired largely by his grandmother, who made artful objects from everyday materials. Initially enrolling in law at the University of Zululand, he switched to a Bachelor of Arts degree, focusing on psychology and philosophy. His formal art training began at the Evangelical Lutheran Art and Craft Centre (ELC) at Rorke’s Drift, where he graduated with a Certificate of Fine Art in 1982.
Jali's artistic style is eclectic, embracing influences from various movements, including surrealism and realism. He often employs charcoal on Fabriano paper and acrylic on canvas, creating works that explore the boundaries of reality and imagination. His art reflects the influences of renowned artists like Nukain Mabuza, Helen Martins, and Jacob Hendrik Pierneef.
Throughout his career, Jali has exhibited widely in both group and solo exhibitions, including shows in New York and London. His work is held in several prestigious public collections across South Africa, including the Durban Art Gallery and the Tatham Art Gallery
