Thys Cilliers was born in Kimberley in 1956. Matriculated at JAN VAN RIEBEECK, HIGH School, Cape Town. Studied Art at Stellenbosch University. Lectured Art at Nelson Mandela Bay University, NMMU, Retired 2016. As a professional artist, his paintings are to be seen in national collections, corporate and private collections. William Humphries Art Gallery Kimberley, Nelson Mandela Bay Art Gallery, SASOL, ABSA BANK, Momentum Bank, Mc Kinsley,NMB University etc.