Hennie Niemann Jnr

It is such a joy and a privilege to witness any creative process where talent, skill and conceptual ingenuity are applied to produce a unique result that captures our minds and emotions. Art lovers will all agree that it is the mystery of this process and the intrigue of its emotional and pshycological impact that provides the excitement and fascination which keeps us coming back for more.

We have promoted Hennie Niemann Jnr’s work for 15 years and feel privileged to be so closely involved in the development of this very talented painter, and well grounded young man. During the early years, critique sessions were very diplomatic meetings which were handled with finesse, but over time, this honest and respectful approach by both artist and gallerist has laid the foundation for a very trusting and rewarding relationship.

Hennie’s focus on quality and his commitment to a sustainable long term strategy regarding his output and pricing has served him well. At present, a Niemann Jnr painting normally sells for much more at an auction than in any gallery - a phenomenon almost unheard of in the South African contemporary art scene. However, this is only indicative of the desirability of his work, as the true test of success lies in the quality of the paintings and the growth he has shown as an artist. Fortunately, Hennie has always chosen a style and subject matter that he finds exciting and inspirational at any given time thus avoiding the pitfalls of a repetative commercially oriented strategy. Stylistically, he has developed from an early earthy, expressive Krampe influence in his energetic wildlife studies, to a much more stylized style influenced by Van Essche and Picasso, to his current Fauvist inspired approach. The positive aspect throughout his development has been the establishment of his distinctive style and technique, irrespective of subject matter, which underpins the uniqueness of his oils.

Inspired by a trip to Spain last year, he has offered us a change of subject matter in the bulk of the paintings selected for this exhibition. Hennie’s 2006 solo exhibition focussed primarily on the African people he encountered on his travels through Southern Africa, but his focus has now shifted to dark haired Catalonian girls in vibrantly colourful interiors, and local variations on this theme. The overriding impression communicated in this set of paintings is that of a very painterly approach where the mark-making and palette generates drama and excitement beyond the sultry moods of his mysterious models.

All art lovers are invited to indulge themselves in this feast of colour and the passionate display of technical mastery.

Johans Borman
CAPE TOWN
August 2008

1972
Born in Bloemfontein to Magriet and Hennie Niemann.
1980 - 1989
Moves to Vermont where he is introduced to art at a very early age. Under the tuition of his artist father Hennie Niemann Snr and Gregoire Boonzaier, he begins sketching in bistre.
1990
After matriculating from Hermanus High School, Hennie’s military service affords him a year in the Kruger National Park. It is here, surrounded by bushveld, that his love of nature and wildlife is nurtured.
1991 - 1992
Drawing on this new found source of inspiration, Hennie returns to Vermont and starts his atistic career. His bistre sketches and expressionistic oils reflects his intense affinity with the interactions of the wild.
1993
His first exhibition of drawings was a sell-out.
1994 - 1996
Meets Angela Key who shares his passion for painting and wildlife. Together they set up a permanent studio in Vermont from where they make frequent safaris and visit many game parks and nature reserves throughout Southern Africa, resulting in a highly successful exhibition of their works at the Onrus Galerie in September 1996.
1997
Exhibition with Angela Key at The Cherie de Villiers Fine Art Gallery, Rosebank, Johannesburg.
Donated a painting to a WWF auction for the protection of endagered species.
1998
Exhibition at Onrus Galerie at the Marine, Hermanus.
2000
‘Triptych’ Exhibition with Angela Key and Wehrner Lemmer at Johans Borman Fine Art Gallery, Cape Town.
2002
Travels to Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia to collect reference material for paintings. Invited to show at the ‘Exhibition of Contemporary South African Art’ in Chelsea, London where his paintings sold out.
2002 - 2005
Participates in group exhibitions at Stellenbosch Art Gallery and Art and Wine gallery, Clarens.
2003
‘Triptych’ Exhibition with Angela Key and Jaco Sieberhagen at Johans Borman Fine Art Gallery, Cape Town.
2006
First solo exhibition of oil paintings at Johans Borman Fine Art Gallery, Cape Town. To view click here
2008
Solo exhibition at Johans Borman Fine Art Gallery, Cape Town. To view click here
2009
‘Art that inspires’ Anniversary exhibition at Johans Borman Fine Art Gallery, Cape Town.
2010
Solo exhibition at Johans Borman Fine Art Gallery, Cape Town. To view click here
2011
Solo exhibition at Johans Borman Fine Art Gallery, Cape Town. To view click here

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