Local artist’s work to be exhibited in London

THE ARTWORK of a talented visual artist from Roodepan in Kimberley, Eugene Junior Oliphant, will be on full display during an art exhibition in London in June.

Oliphant said that he is ecstatic that his work was selected and that his talent was recognised internationally.

“The piece that will be on display is named ‘The Great Depression’, which is a self-portrait. It is a replication of ‘The Last Supper’. My work is inspired by my environment and it depicts the social ills we witness in our community,” said Oliphant.

He said that his goal and mission is to use his talent to showcase and highlight the positive side of the coloured community.

“When we look at the different cultures in the country, we see that there are many positive things that are celebrated about the black, white and Indian communities - especially in the creative sector. We cannot say the same about the coloured community. We do not have many artists whom we can reference.

“The coloured community is mostly depicted with negative images and we are not truly certain of our culture. We know we are descendants of the Khoi and San people, however, we do not have traditions we celebrate openly, unlike the other cultures in the country.

“We need more inspiring coloured people who are breaking the stereotypes we are identified by. This is what I am trying to achieve with my art. Hence I always use Khoisan rock art images in my artwork. That not only links me to roots, but will also give me a distinct identity. People will know when looking at an art piece and seeing the Khoisan rock art images in the background that the piece was crafted by me.”

Oliphant said his love for art was unleashed at a young age but he is not certain how he inherited his talent.

“I had an uncle who loved to draw. My uncle was not blood-related to us. He was adopted by my grandparents and they raised him as their son. We were all staying in one house. What fascinated me about my uncle when I was still very young was that he would always be locked up in his room for hours. One day I managed to sneak into his room and saw all of his artwork on the wall. I was amazed at his talent and literally fell in love with the craft. Nobody from my own family, besides my adopted uncle had an interest in art. I am glad that I got to discover the talent I was not aware I had at a young age.”

Oliphant said one of his dreams is to establish an arts foundation for the youth.

“We hear so many times that artists died as paupers. My dream is to leave a legacy through my foundation. Also, many youngsters might discover that they have tremendous talent in the arts,” he said.

The Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has donated R100,000 to Oliphant, who has to fly to the United Kingdom on Thursday, May 11.

Department spokesperson Conrad Fortune said the donation is part of the department's mandate to support artists in the Province.

“As part of our mandate to develop and support our creative industry through enhancing access to local and international markets, creating opportunities for sustainable development and seeking lucrative opportunities, the department has also assisted Oliphant by purchasing some of his artwork that will be displayed at our offices, as well as making a contribution towards his trip. The display of his work at the offices will furthermore also promote his work and create a marketing platform for him,” said Fortune.

He added that Oliphant’s work will be on open display at the Office of the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture.

“Oliphant was furthermore requested to unleash his creative ability and skills on a mural at the Office of the MEC on his return to South Africa. Creating such opportunities can result in the possible independence and self-sustainability of our artists,” said Fortune.