signed and dated C. Skotnes 89 and inscribed lower margin
watercolour on paper
33 x 45cm; 13 x 17 3/4in (framed)

Property of a Private Collector, Cambridge

Provenance
Gift from Artist
Then by direct descent to the present owner
The DinksFãStan Private Collection, Cambridge, UK

Cecil Skotnes was renowned for his innovative approach to art-making and his deep influence on the cultural landscape of his country. Particularly celebrated for his painted and incised wooden panels, striking woodblock prints, public murals, tapestries, and sculpture, Skotnes pioneered new techniques that utilised earth pigments and indigenous wood, crafting visual narratives that referenced the rich body of African precolonial visual culture.

Skotnes’s artistic career was marked by experimentation and transformation. He developed a unique method of art production, using earth pigments and local woods to tell stories visually, connecting his works to the continent’s history and environment. Notably, he was instrumental in producing significant public art, including public murals and large-scale commissions. Among his most acclaimed pieces are "The assassination of Shaka" (1973) print portfolio and the impressive series of twenty-four large incised panels installed at the 1820 Settlers Monument in Grahamstown.

Born in East London to missionary parents, Skotnes’s early years were shaped by his upbringing and education. After completing school, he worked briefly in a draughtsman’s office before joining the South African forces in Europe in 1944. Upon his return to South Africa, he pursued his passion for art, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art (BAFA) from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1951.

Initially, Skotnes’s engagement with woodcutting focused on the traditional process of cutting blocks for printing. Over time, he shifted his attention to the blocks themselves, transforming them into painted and shaped surfaces rather than simply using them as a means for printmaking. This evolution in his technique set his work apart and led to his further experimentation with murals and other public art commissions.

Beyond his achievements as a practising artist, Skotnes was highly regarded as a teacher and mentor. He served as the cultural officer at the influential Polly Street Art Centre, nurturing many young talents and playing a pivotal role in the development of the South African art scene. He was also a founding member of the Amadlozi Group, further cementing his commitment to advancing local art and artists.

Throughout his life, Skotnes was deeply committed to fostering creative potential, particularly in communities marginalised by the apartheid regime. His dedication to nurturing talent and encouraging creativity in places deliberately excluded by government policies had a profound and lasting impact. His efforts benefitted not only his family and students but also countless emerging artists, friends, and admirers of his work.

Cecil Skotnes’s contributions to art and society have been widely recognised. He received honorary degrees from universities and was awarded a gold medal by the State President, acknowledging his service to the nation and, most significantly, his role in the de-racialisation of South African art. His legacy lives on in the communities he uplifted, the artists he mentored, and the enduring resonance of his art.