Diederick During: Cape winter landscape - SOLD
Diederick During (1917 – 1991)
Cape winter landscape
Acrylic on board
74 x 81,5 cm
Signed bottom right
Sold - 2011
In a newspaper review of Diederick During’s solo exhibition in 1972, the art critic wrote: If ever an artist had all the characteristics in his work that would appeal to collectors, it is, one would think, Diederick During. His exhibition at Gallery 101, Hollard Street, Johannesburg shows his imagination and technical ability at their best. His individualistic way of presenting African themes in a near–surrealistic style makes for unusual decorative panels. Here’s hoping that this underrated artist might at least achieve some of the acclaim he so richly deserves .
During was one of South Africa’s most original and unique artists, although largely overlooked in his lifetime. Despite this, he is represented in many influential public and private collections, and was a regular exhibitor from the 1950’s to the early 1970’s at many of the leading galleries of the day.
After finishing his legal studies at Wits University in 1940, he followed his passion for art by studying under Maurice Van Essche at the Wits Technical Art School, graduating in 1944. Van Essche encouraged his students to paint African subjects with a modernist approach, a philosophy which appealed to During and resulted in many of his works having African themes, offering interpretations of traditional customs. Influenced by Cubism and Surrealism he experimented with different mediums, being one of the first artists to work in acrylic. His early works were often highly detailed and decorative with later works displaying a mural-like appearance.
During was a singular artist who painted from home and never mixed easily with his contemporaries. Johannes Meintjes became a good friend and in their early works there are occasional glimpses of the influence that one may have had on the other. Maggie Laubser was a lifelong friend, and During would have been comfortable with her expressionist approach, bold use of colour and interpretations of the pastoral African lifestyle. He exhibited less frequently in the latter part of the 1970’s, preferring to sell directly to loyal collectors from his home.
In ‘Cape winter landscape’ During gives a masterful display of his talents as composer and modernist. The skilful design incorporates the abstracted shapes of the rolling hills, bare oaks and Cape architecture harmoniously, while the earthy palette communicates the atmosphere and character of the setting very successfully. Although covered by a grey-blue winter sky, the mood is not depressed but rather intimate. The homestead promises shelter, while the bare oaks act as sentries, providing a sense of security and harmony in this peaceful rural setting.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Esmé Berman, Art and Artists of South Africa , Halfway house, 1983, pp 121 and 122