Herman van Nazareth b.1936 Evergem Belgium studied in Ghent and Antwerp before winning a bursary in the early 60’s to the Michaelis School of Art, University of Cape Town. A member of the celebrated group of anti-Apartheid Sestigers, his oeuvre, developed in the 60 -70’s, is known for its biting sociopolitical commentary.
His art production retains an ever-growing relevance in our present-day world, as wars rage and political unrest simmers everywhere, not forgetting the contributing devastating effects of climate change and it s consequences on humankind and the environment.
Van Nazareth’s well-known sculptures explore the darker side of the behavioural tendencies of humankind, referencing autocratic intolerance and brutality.
The sculptures intimate the anger and reactionary protest towards the subversion of freedom of thought and movement.
His portraiture alludes to anonymous tyrannical and oppressive dictators. Other works cover a wide range of visual commentary on the human condition. Always anonymous, with or without features, painted in contrasting tones within a limited palette, the mood is striking and memorable.
His landscapes do not suggest any specific geographical location, focussing on remembered moments, emotions and atmospheric changes of light. Swathes of contrasting colour sweep across the canvas, balancing movement with stillness, suggesting the fecund quality of vegetation and growth.
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