subject: A Look at South Africa's Great Artists [print this page] South Africa's rich cultural heritage and ever-changing landscapes are undoubtedly catalysts which have driven a formidable number of artists to create majestic and valuable renditions of her peoples, places, wildlife and inherent struggles, both political and socially.
South Africa has contributed significantly to world art
South Africa is, indeed, remarkably blessed with superlative talent and has, over the years, provided a significant contribution to world art.
Home to the earliest form of naive painting - the dream rock art of our planetary ancestors - and later to the colourful genre of struggle art or Township art; black South Africans have created their own, very distinctive artistic view of the world.
SA art legacy is totally unique
Due to racial segregation during the dark days of colonialism and apartheid, South African artists of European descent were blazing a trail of creativity right alongside their black counterparts which embraced both first world sensibilities and the raw, vibrancy of impressionism, fauvism and expressionism so prevalent inAfrican art. This enormous diversity has created an artistic legacy totally unique to South Africa.
Famous South African artists
Great South African artists, past and present, include:
Jan Ernst Abraham Volschenk (1853 1936) Volschenk is commonly known as the Father of South African Art' and famous for his majestic landscapes of the Langeberg Mountain Range. Notable works include Evening Glow'; House on the Hill' and Mountain Cypresses.'
JH Pierneef (1886 1957) Pierneef is considered one of the greatest old South African masters and famous for his geometric renditions of the Highveld. Renowned landscapes include Amajuba', Rustenburg' and Study in Blue'.
Gerard Sekoto (1913 1993) Sekoto is viewed by the local and international art fraternity as the pioneer ofurbanblack art,social realism and the father of South African art in the new South Africa. Famous works include Sixpence a Door', The Soccer Game' and Self Portrait'
South Africa's creative heritage contains to evolve and grow with an entire new generation of artists contributing to the region's unique art genres.
Contemporary South African artists
Current South African artists tipped to take the art world by storm include:
David Bucklow Bucklow is considered to be one of South Africa's most significant wildlife artists. His prolific collection of works includes realistic portraits of the big cats and other wild and domesticated animals, Zulu warriors & maidens as well as land and seascapes, all in acrylic.
Frank Ross Ross is famous for his expressive use of colour, line and strong brushstrokes and his popular mixed media contributions fit snugly into the vibrant genre of Township art. Notable works include Wash Day', Shoe Repairs' and To Let'.
Katherine Ambrose - Ambrose portrays everyday life in the townships with a wonderful blend of colour and texture in acrylic. Her naive and primitive style is prominent in all her works which include Going Home', Surfs Up' and Waiting in Line'.
Sue Dickenson Dickenson is celebrated for her fine compositional watercolour paintings celebrating the diversity of Africa's wildlife. Notable works include Playful Zebra', Cub Play' and Kudu Fighting'.
Gerrit Roon Roon, who works primarily in oils, is renowned for his treatment of light, balance of colour and composition and is, today, considered one of South Africa's foremost landscape artists. Significant works include View of Table Mountain', Harbour Scene' and A Cape Farm'.
