Jacques Pretorius

As a contemporary artist and experienced design professional working in Scotland, Jacques Pretorius’s work seeks to explore the tensions between a collective cultural identity and personal expression. Complex and moody compositions attempt to frame the effect environment and architecture have on the human experience. The result is a continuos body of emotionally arresting work, expressed with indelible modern clarity using charcoal on paper as the medium of choice.

These have informed his distinctive exploration of theme, subject and style. Jacques is drawn to dramatic landscapes-elemental skies, fierce naturalism-and apposed architectural elements. There is also a piercing loneliness in his expression of birds, large animals and isolated human figures. Expressive line, powerful compositions and laboured surfaces favour the restrained drama of his best work.

1990-1994 - BA in Graphic Design at University of Johannesburg.
Honoured as the Best Final Year student in Drawing.

2007, Solo show - the Mall of the Emirates Gallery, Dubai.
2009, Solo show - the Pyramid Conference and Venue Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa.
2013, 2014, Richard Calquhoun Gallery, Aberdeen, Scotland.