PORTRAIT GALLERY nicolaas maritz by Nicolaas Maritz

PORTRAIT GALLERY NICOLAAS MARITZ

PORTRAIT GALLERY A SERIES OF PORTRAIT PAINTINGS CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF EXHIBITIONS: PORT ELIZABETH / August 1976 - KALK BAY / July/August 2016

Nicolaas Maritz Nemesia*Press /online 2016

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ‘COLOUR PLATES’ LINKS

Who sees the human face correctly: the photographer, the mirror, or the painter? Pablo Picasso

INTRODUCTION 40 Years ago, during the month of August of 1976, I held my first exhibition at the Eastern Province Society of Fine Arts Gallery in Port Elizabeth. And yes, this was a precocious and rather provincial gesture, but in retrospect, an early indication that I meant business, even if only to myself. The exhibition featured a number of home-made mono-prints, silk screens and lino prints, produced between 1975 and 1976, on a table in my bedroom. The works were mainly monochrome, with here and there a work in colour. Subject matter was diverse, and looking back, I suppose it tended towards the romantic, and included moonlit landscapes, animal and figure studies, and an idealised portrait or two. And even though I sometimes still feel like I am seventeen, this catalogue celebrates the subsequent 40 years of exhibitions.

hand, and the immense fashionability of rather large, drippilypainted neo-portraiture on the other. I hope that the paintings in this catalogue will reflect a more earthy and less narcissistic view.

Over the years, in the line of my, let’s call it ‘artistic career’, I have been fortunate to encounter a number of memorable personalities, from young and unblemished to old and weathered, from plain and ugly to simply beautiful, and from the purely sublime to the utterly ridiculous. The new portraits are a visual residue of memorable impressions, a palimpsest of particular personalities and their often improbable projections. There are portraits of friends and family, and I wonder, vanity permitting, whether they will be able to recognise and encounter their painted selves.

To quote Dubuffet again: I do not see in what way the face of a man should be a less interesting landscape than any other. A man, the physical person of a man, is a little world, like any other a country, with its towns, and suburbs.

The works are like masks or painted sketches, rather than pedantically individual. Like Dubuffet, I feel that the more general the impression, the closer it will resemble the subject. And like Picasso about Gertrude Stein, I believe that the subject will grow to resemble the painted portrait. There appears to be an inevitability about the painted fact. I like Picasso’s perceptive question: Who sees the human face correctly: the photographer, the mirror, or the painter? Which brings us to the current global obsession with the ‘glam’ of digital media, and the unpleasantly casual approach to the taking and advertising of the ubiquitous ‘selfie’ on the one

But what makes a portrait? Is it the nose or the mouth that determines a cruel or kind character? Or does it all come down to the eyes, as many portraitists have maintained throughout art history? At first glance these portraits depict ostensibly bright personalities, but to my mind, somewhere beneath every painted surface there lurks an unfathomable disquiet; a hidden geography of unease. It seems that in portrait painting, as in life, character inevitably lies much deeper than mere surface make-up.

I have always used ordinary domestic enamel paint as my main medium. It is a bright, rich and shiny substance which I first encountered during the sixties, whilst growing up in Pretoria. I am still in love with it. Rather than using a brush, I now proceed more liberally, allowing the dripping paint to create the ‘drawing’, and using a paint scraper to shunt the paint around, layer upon layer. I have become a willing slave to the happy accident. And I expect the viewer to become part of this creative process; to vicariously witness the joy of creation; the pleasure of my artistic discovery, experiencing the gestural mysteries of layered paint. And finally, as Gilbert and George will have it: You go to a museum to look at a picture, but we like it when the picture looks at you. And so, I can assure you ladies and gentlemen, do I. Nicolaas Maritz Darling 2016

1. Goue Seun, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 805 x 805mm (bordgrootte) Golden Boy, 2016, enamel paint on board, 805 x 805mm (board size)

2. Vaaljapie, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 430mm (bordgrootte) Geek, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 430mm (board size)

3. Blourokkie, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 500mm (bordgrootte) Spadarene, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 500mm (board size)

4. Laat vreugde, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 805 x 805mm (bordgrootte) Late pleasure, 2016, enamel paint on board, 805 x 805mm (board size)

5. Ons suster, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 610mm (bordgrootte) Our sister, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 610mm (board size)

6. Leah, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 800 x 610mm (bordgrootte) Leah, 2016, enamel paint on board, 800 x 610mm (board size)

7. Brooklyn Vent, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 805 x 805mm (bordgrootte) Brooklyn Blighter, 2016, enamel paint on board, 805 x 805mm (board size)

8. Kalahari jeugdige, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 610mm (bordgrootte) Kalahari youth, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 610mm (board size)

9. Voete van klei, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 400 x 410mm (bordgrootte) Feet of clay, 2016, enamel paint on board, 400 x 410mm (board size)

10. Strooipop, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 455 x 400mm (bordgrootte) Straw doll, 2016, enamel paint on board, 455 x 400mm (board size)

11. Rakker, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 460 x 410mm (bordgrootte) Rapscallion, 2016, enamel paint on board, 460 x 410mm (board size)

12. Stroopsoet, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 405 x 405mm (bordgrootte) Good as gold, 2016, enamel paint on board, 405 x 405mm (board size)

13. Thabazimbi plaasdogter, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 405 x 405mm (bordgrootte) Thabazimbi farm girl, 2016, enamel paint on board, 405 x 405mm (board size)

14. Thabazimbi plaasseun, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 405 x 405mm (bordgrootte) Thabazimbi farm boy, 2016, enamel paint on board, 405 x 405mm (board size)

15. Stampriet dorpskind, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 405 x 295mm (bordgrootte) Stampriet village child, 2016, enamel paint on board, 405 x 295mm (board size)

16. Mariental bankmeneertjie, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 405 x 405mm (bordgrootte) Mariental bank chappie, 2016, enamel paint on board, 405 x 405mm (board size)

17. Terggees, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 405 x 405mm (bordgrootte) Teazer, 2016, enamel paint on board, 405 x 405mm (board size)

18. Vaalpens, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 530mm (bordgrootte) Transvaler, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 530mm (board size)

19. Voorstedelike Messallina, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 800 x 610mm (bordgrootte) Suburban Messallina, 2016, enamel paint on board, 800 x 610mm (board size)

20. Jong digter, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 800 x 610mm (bordgrootte) Young poet, 2016, enamel paint on board, 800 x 610mm (board size)

21. Karoodogter, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 400 x 410mm (bordgrootte) Karoo daughter, 2016, enamel paint on board, 400 x 410mm (board size)

22. Jong bosveld boer, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 610mm (bordgrootte) Young bushveld farmer, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 610mm (board size)

23. Ditsebe, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 405 x 305mm (bordgrootte) Ditsebe, 2016, enamel paint on board, 405 x 305mm (board size)

24. Alexandrina, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 820 x 610mm (bordgrootte) Alexandrina, 2016, enamel paint on board, 820 x 610mm (board size)

You go to a museum to look at a picture, but we like it when the picture looks at you. Gilbert & George

25. Keramiek-entoesias, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 405 x 305mm (bordgrootte) Ceramic enthusiast, 2016, enamel paint on board, 405 x 305mm (board size)

26. Outjoppie, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 405 x 305mm (bordgrootte) Old duffer, 2016, enamel paint on board, 405 x 305mm (board size)

27. Plattelandse katelnaap, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 405 x 305mm (bordgrootte) Rural bedfellow, 2016, enamel paint on board, 405 x 305mm (board size)

28. Morsjors, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 405 x 305mm (bordgrootte) Litterer, 2016, enamel paint on board, 405 x 305mm (board size)

29. Kalahari-kind, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 420mm (bordgrootte) Kalahari child, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 420mm (board size)

30. Duineseun, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 405 x 305mm (bordgrootte) Dune boy, 2016, enamel paint on board, 405 x 305mm (board size)

31. Tandfeetjie, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 310 x 220mm (bordgrootte) Tooth fairy, 2016, enamel paint on board, 310 x 220mm (board size)

32. Blou Wese, 2016, emaljeververf op bord, 290 x 185mm Blue Being, 2016, enamel paint on board, 290 x 185mm

33. Betrokke Persoonlikheid, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 285 x 215mm Interested Personnage, 2016, enamel paint on board, 285 x 215mm

34. Sproete-vent, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 310 x 225mm (bordgrootte) Freckled guy, 2016, enamel paint on board, 310 x 225mm (board size)

35. Skelm roker, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 270 x 205mm (bordgrootte) Secret smoker, 2016, enamel paint on board, 270 x 205mm (board size)

36. Slim meisie, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 270 x 205mm (bordgrootte) Clever girl, 2016, enamel paint on board, 270 x 205mm (board size)

37. Selfvoldaan, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 270 x 205mm (bordgrootte) Smug, 2016, enamel paint on board, 270 x 205mm (board size)

38. Matrikulant, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 270 x 205mm (bordgrootte) Matriculant, 2016, enamel paint on board, 270 x 205mm (board size)

39. PE branderplankryer, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 270 x 205mm (bordgrootte) PE surfer, 2016, enamel paint on board, 270 x 205mm (board size)

40. Kunswedstryd koningin, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 430mm (bordgrootte) Eisteddfod queen, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 430mm (board size)

41. Pretoria tante, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 820 x 610mm (bordgrootte) Pretoria aunt, 2016, enamel paint on board, 820 x 610mm (board size)

42. Londense skoonmaakster, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 800 x 610mm (bordgrootte) London charlady, 2016, enamel paint on board, 800 x 610mm (board size)

43. Jong dronklap, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 420mm (bordgrootte) Young old soak, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 420mm (board size)

44. Tony, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 820 x 610mm (bordgrootte) Tony, 2016, enamel paint on board, 820 x 610mm (board size)

45. Uitblinkertjie, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 800 x 610mm (bordgrootte) Little achiever, 2016, enamel paint on board, 800 x 610mm (board size)

46. Jong dromer, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 800 x 610mm (bordgrootte) Young dreamer, 2016, enamel paint on board, 800 x 610mm (board size)

47. Middeljarige bakvissie, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 800 x 610mm (bordgrootte) Middle-aged young miss, 2016, enamel paint on board, 800 x 610mm (board size)

48. PE losieshuis-antie, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 800 x 610mm (bordgrootte) PE boardinghouse auntie, 2016, enamel paint on board, 800 x 610mm (board size)

49. Ruggraatlose wonder, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 610mm (bordgrootte) Spineless won der, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 610mm (board size)

50. Agteros, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 610mm (bordgrootte) Hind ox, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 610mm (board size)

51. Geskiedenis onderwyser, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 410mm (bordgrootte) History teacher, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 410mm (board size)

52. Blou Maandag, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 425mm (bordgrootte) Blue Monday, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 425mm (board size)

53. Skrander, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 410mm (bordgrootte) Capable, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 410mm (board size)

54. Skugter, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 420mm (bordgrootte) Shy, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 420mm (board size)

55. Voorstedelike skilder, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 420mm (bordgrootte) Suburban painter, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 420mm (board size)

56. Sunnyside blondine, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 425mm (bordgrootte) Sunnyside blonde, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 425mm (board size)

57. Blou-gespoelde hare, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 420mm (bordgrootte) Blue rinse, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 420mm (board size)

58. Vasberade blondine, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 420mm (bordgrootte) Determined blonde, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 420mm (board size)

59. Selfprotret met groen hare, 2016 emaljeverf op bord 1620 x 1220mm Self Portrait with green hair, 2016 enamel paint on board, 1620 x 1220mm

60. Selfportret as Gedaante, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 620 x 380mm Self Portrait as Apparition, 2016, enamel paint on board, 620 x 380mm

61. Ster-oog Gedaante, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 328 x 285mm Starry-eyed Apparition, 2016, enamel paint on board, 328 x 285mm

62. Bloubaard Persoonlikheid, 2106, emaljeverf op bord, 300 x 280mm Blue Bearded Personnage, 2016, enamel paint on board, 300 x 280mm

63. Brandewyn-tannie, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 425mm (bordgrootte) Brandy auntie, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 425mm (board size)

64. Kaapse fopdosser, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 430mm (bordgrootte) Cape cross-dresser, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 430mm (board size)

65. Fetisj-versamelaar, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 820 x 610mm (bordgrootte) Fetish collector, 2016, enamel paint on board, 820 x 610mm (board size)

66. Ooskaapse moffie, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 610 x 610mm (bordgrootte) Eastern Cape queer, 2016, enamel paint on board, 610 x 610mm (board size)

67. Kaapse kakkerlak, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 230 x 230mm (bordgrootte) Cape cockroach, 2016, enamel paint on board, 230 x 230mm (board size)

68. Lief, 2016, Emaljeverf op bord, 230 x 230mm (bordgrootte) Lief, 2016, enamel paint on board, 230 x 230mm (board size)

69. Napoleontjie, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 230 X 230mm (bordgrootte) Little Napoleon, 2016, enamel paint on board, 230 x 230mm (board size)

70. Jazz-speler, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 230 x 230mm (bordgrootte) Jazz player, 2016, enamel paint on board 230 x 230mm (board size)

Would not it be best to leave room to mystery? Henri Matisse

71.Trance musikant, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 160 x 160mm (bordgrootte) Trance musician, 2016, enamel paint on board, 160 x 160mm (board size)

72. Platejoggie, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 160 x 160mm (bordgrootte) Disc jockey, 2016, enamel paint on board, 160 x 160mm (board size)

73. Gefrustreerde bloemis, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 160 x 160mm (bordgrootte) Frustrated florist, 2016, enamel paint on board, 160 x 160mm (board size)

74. Provinsiale spinnekop, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 160 x 160mm (bordgrootte) Provincial spider, 2016, enamel paint on board, 160 x 160mm (board size)

75. Sjarmante kindermolesteerder, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 160 x 160mm (bordgrootte) Charming paedophile, 2016, enamel paint on board, 160 x 160mm (board size)

76. Londense binneshuis-versierder, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 160 x 160mm (bordgrootte) London interior decorator, 2016, enamel paint on board, 160 x 160mm (board size)

77. Broodbakker, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 160 x 160mm (bordgrootte) Bread baker, 2016, enamel paint on board, 160 x 160mm (board size)

78. Geheime tikroker, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 160 x 160mm (bordgrootte) Secret tik smoker, 2016, enamel paint on board, 160 x160mm (board size)

79. Vaal koestertjie, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 160 x 160mm (bordgrootte) â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Vaal koestertjieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, 2016, enamel paint on board, 160 x 160mm (board size)

80. Oulike moffie, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 160 x 160mm (bordgrootte) Cute queer, 2016, enamel paint on board, 160 x 160mm (board size)

81. Darlingse daggaroker, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 270 x 205mm (bordgrootte) Darling pot smoker, 2016, enamel paint on board, 270 x 205mm (board size)

82. Rooiwyn-tannie, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 220 x 140mm (bordgrootte) Red wine auntie, 2016, enamel paint on board, 220 x 140mm (board size)

83. Tipiese kunstenaar, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 250 x 250mm (bordgrootte) Typical artist, 2016, enamel paint on board, 250 x 250mm (board size)

84. Kunstige mens, 2016, emaljeverf op bord, 295 x 310mm (bordgrootte) Artistic person, 2016, enamel paint on board, 295 x 310mm (board size)

NICOLAAS MARITZ - LINKS ART https://sites.google.com/site/nicolaasmaritzgallery/ www.issuu.com/nicolaasmaritz http://bignick098.wix.com/nicolaas-maritz

MUSIC https://sites.google.com/site/nicolaasmaritzmusic/ https://soundcloud.com/nicolaasmaritz https://www.mixcloud.com/nicolaas/ http://www.last.fm/user/NicolaasMaritz