Adéle Opperman’s brilliant artwork by ballpoint pen not only secured her position as one of the top artists in the 2017 Phatshoane Henney New Breed Art Competition, but also lead to her work being included in Phatshoane Henney Attorneys’ permanent art collection.
Impressive in size (158 cm x 103 cm), the work entitled Behoede jou is a self-portrait exploring the construction of identity in a multi-dimensional country. What is fascinating, is that the entire work is drawn with ballpoint pen. “Ballpoint pen is my favourite medium because it is immensely versatile in its simplicity, and also because it’s nearly impossible to capture fine detail with anything else. Because pen drawings are so time consuming, I go through a process of self discovery with every drawing, which continues for as long as I’m busy with the piece.”
As is the case with Behoede jou, as well as another art work she entered into last year’s competition, entitled Ooglopend, she mostly draws portraits. “The dominating theme in my artworks is Afrikaner identity and the origin of Afrikaners. I will probably never tire of this theme, precisely because our identity constantly changes while our identity already consists of the identities of such a large variety of people.”
At present she is working on another self portrait, following which she is to finish a number of commissioned works. It’s her hope to present a complete solo exhibiton in the next year or two.
“It was already such an privilege to have my works exhibited in Oliewenhuis Art Museum as part of the Phatshoane Henney New Breed Art Competition. This competition has allowed for my work to reach a much larger audience, which is why I won’t hesitate for a second to encourage others to also enter the competition. The exposure is amazing, and on top of that both my works exhibited last year, had been sold.”
Click here to see above mentioned artworks and learn more about her from her artist's profile online.