Face to Face
25 May – 30 June 2018
Walk into any building and you are bound to find at least one portrait. This art form aims to showcase the individual, whether real or imaginary. A well-crafted work is said to portray both appearance and character. Whether realistic or not, a painting or photograph the aim is to represent the feature, personality and traits of the individual. In the words of a well-known Greek philosopher, “The aim of Art is to present not the outward appearance of things, but their inner significance; for this, not the external manner and detail, constitutes true reality.”
The history of portraiture stretches back thousands of years to ancient times, images of Egyptian rulers signalling the start of this genre. Throughout the course of history it was only the rich and famous who were worthy of having their image reflected in a work of art. Among the most well known artist in this genre you are likely to hear the names Velazquez, Holbein, Rembrandt, and Vincent van Gogh, etc..
More recently the band of Dutch artists from the 17th, English and American artists from the 18th and 19th century and the well known figures from the modern portraiture movement have defined our understanding of the genre. From the latter, names like van Gogh, Manet, and Ganguin come up while the revival of the 70s is associated with name like Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud and David Hockney.
Portrait art can take on many forms, from a painting to a sculpture to a photograph. The essence of art is to give expression to that which is unseen, the same goes for this genre. Many well-known voices from the art world has offered their opinions in this regard, mostly highlighting the role of expression, features and mood in pre-empting interpretation for the connoisseur.
Sequence & Formation
An Exhibition of Abstract Art
13 April – 12 May 2018
Sequence & Formation catalogue (PDF)
Featuring artists: Leandri Erlank; Dirk Meerkotter; Ben Eagle; Paul Marais; Klara Christen, Christo Coetzee & Strijdom Van Der Merwe
Letterlik / Literally
1-29 March 2018
Letterlik / Literally catalogue
Featuring artists: Corne Theron, Leandri Erlank, Gerhard Human, Roger Hopley, Paul Marais, Haidee Nel, Marlene Dumas, Maritha Van Amerom & Nicola Roos.
Cape Town Art Fair
16-18 February 2018
Cape Town Art Fair catalogue (PDF)
South Africa has a rich history of phenomenal artists, often characterised by the political, cultural and religious ideas of the time. For a long time artist have been the soul of society, some of the most important people on earth. Absolut Art markets South African masters and contemporary art and is ideally situated in Stellenbosch, one of South Africa’s oldest towns.
Absolut Art is proud to showcase the works of Pierneef, Dumas, Preller, Hodgins and Battiss at the 2018 edition of the Cape Town Art Fair. Among this list of very well-known South African artists, Pierneef enjoys almost iconic status. His career as an artist started taking shape soon after the Anglo-Boer War, thriving on the influence of Anton van Wouw and Frans Oerder. Many critics agree that one thing that made Pierneef unique was his ability to paint with ‘different eyes’.
The list continues with some of South Africa’s greatest modern artists in Walter Battiss and Alexis Preller, praised by many as an imaginative genius and master colourist. He had such magical abilities that he was even dubbed the ‘South African Gauguin by some. Robert Hodgins, another acclaimed artist, comes from an era where artists were known for making socially conscious statements and satirising those in power. Browsing through some his art one is sure to find these themes repeated throughout his work.
There aren’t many people who can claim the accolade of being credited with most expensive art by a living female artist. Her 1987 work, “The Teacher” fetched $ 3.3 million. The South African born Marlene Dumas, is not one to shy away from controversy. Her paintings are often borderline shocking and offensive. Dumas’ works such as ‘Naomi” (1995) and ‘Dead Marilyn’ (2008) are perfect example of her willingness to toe the line.
On the timeline of South African art there are many highlights and standouts. Absolut Art is proud to present the works of some of South Africa’s legendary artists. Enjoy a company of creatives sure to create some excitement for years to come.
– Written by: Martus Greyvenstein
Nature Morte
19 January – 17 February 2018
Nature Morte, finding its roots in Greek mosaics of the 16th Century, this art genre is still very popular. Still lifes are known to depict a thought full composition of everyday objects, however they are often filled with great personal or cultural significance. Living Art exhibition will pose Nature Morte and collection of living art in contrast to each other. On show will be a collection intricately crafted bonzai trees.
Nature Morte Exhibition Catalogue (PDF)
Previous exhibitions: