South African Art History
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South African art history reveals a culture of profound depth and the extraordinary art flowing from the hands of South African artists reinforces that ideal.
The oldest art objects ever discovered, small drilled snail shells possibly strung as a necklace, were found in a South African cave and are believed to be over 75,000 years old!
Home to some of the most beautiful and ancient art works in the world; South African artists have translated the myths and legends into modern-day masterpieces.
A Glimpse Of A Peoples' History
The San/Bushman peoples -- 10,000 BC -- had a fluid style that's preserved in a plethora of treasured cave paintings. Dancing figures in festive dress, hunters, domestic scenes and animals decorate the rock walls.
The last depictions included larger, darker people and most revealingly, white hunters on horseback. These priceless artifacts tell the tale of history.
The Bantu/Nguni peoples followed and eventually the union in 1910 signaled the end of the colonial era. This brought about great artistic diversity, from landscapes to abstract. This was South African art history that reflected the local flavor, life as it was rather than as a report to a colonial master.
Tumultuous Times Give Birth
And then came apartheid (1948-1994); which tore apart the fabric of South Africa. Artists soon learned what it meant to create in a sea of turbulence.
South African artists scrambled to continue traditional tribal art as they were scattered. Their craft emerged using any and all available materials while being confined to townships. In the early years most black artists were largely ignored.
This historical tradition of South African art, starting with simple rock art, continues to thrive in the hands and hearts of the descendants of yesterday's Bushman. South Africa is the place where varied and unique pieces are continually being produced by contemporary artists.
South African Artists: Emerging Talent
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A diverse host of deeply powerful artists challenged the system to survive and the talented artists of today are no exception. Beginning with Gerard Sekoto, we're provided a fine example of portraying urban African life. He focused on such vibrant places as Sophiatown and District Six.
Powerful works such as George Pemba's naively styled work of poor blacks and others emerged; aided by John Koenakeefe Mohl's founding of South Africa's first art school for black people. Lack of resources led to ingenious drawings in ink and relatively cheap linocuts, a new subgenre.
William Zulu, Vuyile Cameron Voyifwa and Cyprian Shilakoe made this possible and the practice of using accessible materials continues with innovative artists like: Ephraim Ngatane and Durant Sihlali working in watercolors and various media.
Experience first-hand the thrill of discovering your own South African treasures; visit our African art for sale by clicking on the menu to your left. Allow the passion and thrill of Africa to flow through your veins and touch your soul!
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