JACO VAN SCHALKWYK

Born. 1981 Benoni; currently based in Johannesburg

Reminiscent of 19th century Romantic painting in their depiction of sublime landscapes, the meticulously real- ized paintings of Jaco van Schalkwyk nevertheless retain their own identity and contemporary relevance.

Van Schalkwyk considers the troubled relationship between man and the natural world he inhabits, bearing witness to the disastrous effects human activity has had on the natural environment.

In his vast, absorbing canvases, van Schalkwyk presents desolate, uninhabited spaces that are simultaneously unsettling and poignantly beautiful. His interest in the human interaction with the natural environment has since been extended to his recent stay in Bali, where ancient traditions and connections to the natural world are contrasted with pollution and neglect.

Drawing upon this new stock of imagery, van Schalkwyk now looks to expand his observation of the human-nature relationship with considerations of notions of the exotic, the fetish and the souvenir.

Barnard has presented five solo exhibitions including Nemora at VOLTA, Basel. 2018. His work has been selected for inclusion on curated shows at respected museums and institutions in South Africa, USA, China and France and his paintings can be found in the collections of the South African Reserve Bank, University of Pretoria, Absa Bank, Ellerman House, Pretoria Art Museum, University of Johannesburg and Rand Merchant Bank Corporate Collection.

TERTIARY EDUCATION

2011 BA (Historical Studies), University of South Africa (UNISA)

APPRENTICESHIP

2003-2013 Mari Breedt’s Studio

AWARDS

2013 Absa L’Atelier Merit Award

Solo exhibitions:

2018 VOLTA, Basel

2017 Barnard, Cape Town

2016 FNB Joburg Art Fair, Johannesburg

2012, 2013 & 2015 Barnard, Cape Town

GROUP SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

2020 KKNK Online

2019 Barnard, Cape Town

2016 Stellenbosch Museum, Stellenbosch

2015 Beijing Biennale, China

2014 Turchin Centre, North Carolina, USA

ART FAIRS

2020 L’Atitude Online

2018 VOLTA, Basel

2017-2018 AKAA – Also Known As Africa, Paris

2016 FNB Joburg Art Fair, Johannesburg

2015-2020 Cape Town Art Fair, Cape Town

2012-2014 FNB Joburg Art Fair, Johannesburg

SELECTED ARTIST RESIDENCIES

2017 Sylt Foundation, Indonesia

2014 Sylt Foundation, Germany

2008 New York Students League, USA

SELECTED COLLECTIONS

Pretoria Art Museum

University of Pretoria

University of Johannesburg

South African Reserve Bank

Absa Bank

Rand Merchant Bank

Spier Collection