Local Roots

Local Roots Celebration of South African culture and products

Cameron Platter, a contemporary South African artist, has garnered attention for his unique and provocative body of work...
29/12/2023

Cameron Platter, a contemporary South African artist, has garnered attention for his unique and provocative body of work that reflects the complexities of modern South African society. Born in 1978 in Johannesburg, Platter has developed a distinctive style that often combines various mediums, including drawing, sculpture, and video. His art is known for its bold, graphic quality and frequently incorporates elements from popular culture, advertising, and the everyday urban landscape of South Africa.

Platter's work is characterized by its commentary on contemporary issues such as consumerism, morality, and the legacy of apartheid. He often uses satire and irony to explore these themes, creating pieces that are both visually striking and thought-provoking. His approach is multifaceted, drawing from diverse influences, including African folk art, outsider art, and modernist design. This eclectic mix results in artwork that is rich in symbolism and layered with meaning, inviting viewers to consider the deeper narratives behind the vibrant images and forms.

As an artist, Platter has achieved significant recognition both in South Africa and internationally. His work has been exhibited in major galleries and museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Platter's art not only represents a critical voice in contemporary South African art but also contributes to global conversations about culture, identity, and the social and political challenges of the 21st century. Through his innovative and unflinching artistic expressions, Cameron Platter continues to be a vital and influential figure in the contemporary art scene.

You can see more of his work at https://cameronplatter.com/

Gregoire Boonzaier, born in Cape Town, on 31 July 1909, as son of political cartoonist D.C. Boonzaier. His artistic car...
28/12/2023

Gregoire Boonzaier, born in Cape Town, on 31 July 1909, as son of political cartoonist D.C. Boonzaier.
His artistic career was marked by his exceptional talent in various mediums, including oil painting, watercolor, and printmaking. His works predominantly featured landscapes, still lifes, and portraits, with a distinct style characterized by bold brushwork and a rich color palette.
He was deeply inspired by the local scenery and people of the Cape, which prominently featured in his artworks. His landscapes, in particular, captured the essence of the Cape's natural beauty, making them highly sought after by collectors.

You can see more of his work at: https://www.wikiart.org/en/gregoire-boonzaier

George Pemba (1912-2001) combined elements of realism and impressionism, with a focus on capturing the essence of his su...
27/12/2023

George Pemba (1912-2001) combined elements of realism and impressionism, with a focus on capturing the essence of his subjects rather than strict adherence to detail. Pemba's paintings are particularly noted for their portrayal of the social and political

Throughout his career, George Pemba faced numerous challenges, including racial discrimination and financial difficulties, which often forced him to take up other jobs to support his family. Despite these obstacles, he continued to paint, and his work gradually gained recognition. Pemba's contribution to South African art was finally acknowledged in the later years of his life, and he was honored with several awards. He passed away in 2001, leaving behind a rich legacy as a pioneering Black South African artist whose work continues to inspire and resonate with many.

You can see more of his exquisite works at: https://www.wikiart.org/en/george-pemba

Marlene Dumas, born on August 3, 1953, in Cape Town, South Africa, is a contemporary artist known for her thought-provok...
21/12/2023

Marlene Dumas, born on August 3, 1953, in Cape Town, South Africa, is a contemporary artist known for her thought-provoking and emotionally charged paintings and drawings.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential painters of her generation, Dumas' work has been exhibited globally in major museums and galleries. Dumas' art primarily explores themes of race, sexuality, identity, love, death, and the human condition, often focusing on the human figure. Her work is characterized by a fluid and gestural technique, using thin washes of paint to create images that hover between abstraction and figuration.

Her ability to convey deep emotions and provoke thought makes her a significant figure in contemporary art, continually pushing the boundaries of representation and interpretation.

More of her works can be seen here: https://www.marlenedumas.nl/

I just finished an order for two canvasses and thinking it turned out quite nice!
21/12/2023

I just finished an order for two canvasses and thinking it turned out quite nice!

Today is a good day to remember the many obstacles you have overcome and to look back on the long journey behind you. Yo...
18/12/2023

Today is a good day to remember the many obstacles you have overcome and to look back on the long journey behind you. You might not ever feel completely native to your new home but remember that you have shared in multiple cultures and are all the richer for it.
If you feel like indulging in some nostalgia head over to our shop for some authentic South African gifts. https://localrootssa.etsy.com

The energy and South African soul can be heard from the first note!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iQs93KwEaYKippie Moe...
15/12/2023

The energy and South African soul can be heard from the first note!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iQs93KwEaY

Kippie Moeketsi is often referred to as the "Charlie Parker of South Africa" due to his exceptional saxophone skills and his influence on the South African jazz scene. He played a significant role in popularizing modern jazz and bebop styles in South Africa by blending traditional African rhythms and melodies with modern jazz technique.



Image Credit: https://www.npr.org/2017/04/26/525696698/the-legacy-of-the-jazz-epistles-south-africas-short-lived-but-historic-group

Maggie Laubser, born on April 14, 1886, in the Western Cape of South Africa, was a pioneering figure in South African ar...
14/12/2023

Maggie Laubser, born on April 14, 1886, in the Western Cape of South Africa, was a pioneering figure in South African art. Raised on a wheat and sheep farm, her early life in the rural landscapes profoundly influenced her artistic vision. Laubser left South Africa in 1913 to study art in London, further honing her skills in Belgium and Holland, and later in Berlin, where she was exposed to German Expressionism. This exposure significantly impacted her style, evident in her later works.

Laubser's art is distinguished by its bold use of color and simplified forms, which became more pronounced upon her return to South Africa in 1920. Her works often featured rural scenes, animals, and portraits, including self-portraits, characterized by a unique blend of realism and expressionism. This style was initially met with criticism in South Africa, where it deviated significantly from the then-dominant realist aesthetic. However, Laubser remained committed to her vision, gradually gaining recognition and respect for her distinctive approach. Her representation of the South African landscape and people was both deeply personal and expressive, reflecting a genuine love and connection to her homeland.

Maggie Laubser's legacy is one of innovation and perseverance in the face of early skepticism. Over time, she emerged as a celebrated figure in South African art, with her works now held in high regard and featured in major South African galleries and collections. Her contribution to the art world is not just in the vibrant and emotive quality of her paintings but also in the path she blazed for future artists in South Africa. Laubser passed away on May 17, 1973, but her work continues to inspire and influence, celebrated for its vibrant depiction of the spirit and essence of South African life.

Image Credits: https://www.wikiart.org/en/maggie-laubser

Just now...In 1822, English was named the official language of the Cape Colony. With the establishment of the Union of S...
13/12/2023

Just now...

In 1822, English was named the official language of the Cape Colony. With the establishment of the Union of South Africa in 1910, English and Dutch became the official languages, with Dutch being replaced by Afrikaans in 1925. Presently, English serves as the common language across South Africa and is the primary language of the South African Asian community, though many also preserve their ancestral languages. South African English, influenced significantly by Afrikaans and various African languages, has evolved into a distinct dialect.

An example of South African English:
“Honey, will you buy some airtime for me?”

“Yes liefie, I’ll do it just now.”

Just now might refer to a moment soon, such as in a minute, or it could mean something further in the future, like next year. There's even a possibility that "just now" might never occur. One thing is clear: it doesn't imply immediate action.

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