DEKAT DIGITAL 2019 - 2020

THE GENIUS OF ADRIAAN BOSHOFF
The large photograph of Adriaan Boshoff at the entrance of the museum that bears his name – part of The South
African Impressionists Museum – is accompanied by a short introduction to his life and artistic career.
Born on 5 October, 1935, Boshoff spent his youth in the care of his grandmother, becoming independent at the
age of 12. While growing up he always had an insatiable urge to create. As a self-taught artist with limited means,
to start afresh with a new composition he often reused a canvas that had been painted on both sides, by scraping
off the paint.
He continually criss-crossed South Africa with his family, painting the land he loved and the people of the country,
whom he admired. Through his tremendous dedication, hard work and keen observation of his surroundings, he
became recognised as one of South Africa’s leading Impressionists.
Even though he became successful later in life, Boshoff maintained a humble lifestyle. What mattered most to him
was spending time with his loved ones, and painting. South African embassies favour his works because of the
familiar South African scenes and landscapes, and they can also be found in prominent art collections locally and
abroad. As a result, his works have acquired investment status.
His works have significant historic value through their portrayal of the distinctive landscapes and cultures of
South Africa, including the fisherfolk of the Western Cape, farm workers herding their cattle, the majestic cliffs of
Meiringspoort, the Drakensberg and old cityscapes. Boshoff explored not only the majesty of the land, but also how
people interacted with these places.
Three paintings under the microscope
Flying Bails circa 1990 (26cm x 16cm)
An oil painting of a young boy playing cricket, it reveals Boshoff’s keen interest in gesture and movement, shown
here through his use of a broad brush and a rhythmic and gestural painting technique. In a number of his paintings
Boshoff captures not only a moment in time, but through the impression of animated movement, succeeds in imagining
the narrative further.
Meiringspoort circa 1975 (120cm X 124cm)
In many instances, landscape compositions encompass a linear perspective with an extensive horizon that recedes
into the distance, but here just a section of the sheer cliff-face is the focus. Boshoff chose to concentrate on the ratio
comparison between the compelling size and volume of the mountainous backdrop and the tiny ox-wagon in the
foreground. The oxen and two figures are placed centrally, and as though with almost perfect timing, the subjects are
highlighted by the sun breaking through the clouds, as if divinely blessed. On this canvas, Boshoff has captured the
magnificent geometry and dramatic tones of shadow and light typical of the Meiringspoort landscape.
Serendipity of Mom’s Closet (49cm x 64cm)
This is reminiscent of childhood where a mother’s make-up, clothes and jewellery offer hours of fun and entertainment
for her daughters. Here, Boshoff created a simple formal balance by positioning the two animated girls on either
side of the static dressing table, thereby focusing on the girl’s activities. The short rhythmic brush strokes and brilliant
primary colours express the gestures of playfulness and cheerfulness, capturing both a fleeting moment in time and an
air of carefree, innocent child-play.
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