The art of South Africa
The eye of the world is currently on South Africa because of the World Cup, but the country has of course many other things to offer besides football. One of those things is beautiful art, as you can see on this site. I’ve asked some talented South African artists a few questions about their country and their art, so you can see there is more to South Africa than what you see on television!
First up is Mariaan Krog, whose art you can see here.
Could you tell us something about yourself, and about your connection to South Africa?
I am a single mom to a 14 year old son. I am a full time Fine Art Visual Artist. I specialize in animal portraits. I was born in South Africa and am still living here. I’ve only once been overseas – on my honeymoon trip to Mauritius! 
I’ve also been to Swaziland and Lesotho, but these countries are boxed inside of South Africa.
What do you like best about South Africa?
Its wild animals, landscapes and bio-diversity.
What do you like least about it?
The fact that it does not promise my son a future. It is still years behind the first world countries in terms of technology and fairness to all its people. To make a success of his career, he might have to go overseas. He has incredible talent and is thinking of becoming a cartoonist.
When did you start creating art?
I started painting when my husband died in 1995. Before that I was more into interior decorating. Once I had to paint murals for a friend’s house, it was a gigantic task, but brought out the best out of me. Only then did I realise I want to do art for a living.
Does South Africa play a big role in your art?
I would have to say that the fauna and flora in South Africa play a big role in my artwork. And then of course the South Africans that give me commission work. They have an influence on the style and method of the artworks I create for them.
How do you think art may be able to help people in South Africa, and all over the world?
Art, e.g. a painting, tells a story. It is a story told by the painter. He/she creates the background, the main characters and the line of the story. In this way an artwork can portray a specific message to the world. A message about the necessity of healing for all people in South Africa can be a great way to tell the world about what and how we feel about each other here in South Africa. Art can definitely help us here and since it’s a global message, it can also help others around the world!
Be sure to read on to the next page!
phew! for a while, i was taking up all the credit for posting articles, but then here comes this 6 page beauty! nice job Jan! interesting stuff here!
Glad you like it.
I figured I should post something now and again as well, hehe.