"Anthony Keogh - Beast" Painting

Anthony Keogh was born in Grahamstown in 1956. He moved to Port Elizabeth in 1964. After completing his studies at Lawson Brown School of Art, Anthony toured South Africa as a guitarist / vocalist in a music group, visiting the islands of Mauritius and La Reunion. He returned to South Africa to complete his military training, after which he joined the Shoe Industry, obtained his ABSI-SA Dip. at The Leather Industries Research Institute and completed his training as a Shoe Designer. In 1981 he joined the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum [formerly The King George VI Art Gallery ] as a Professional Officer, studied part time for a Bachelor of Art –Fine Art through UNISA [ incomplete ] and trained for several years as a Restorer of Easel Painting. In 1989 he became Head Conservator at the museum, a post which he currently holds. Formally as well as materially, Anthony’s paintings can be understood as social or political statements. More specifically, their crudity of technique, their subject matter and their primary application establish a recognizable connection with the socio-political situation in South Africa. Among other things, the dichotomy between the “haves” and the “have-nots” is depicted for example, by means of certain objects such as fruit or shop windows which display wealth. Or the breakdown in communication and negotiation is alluded to in the form of a phone booth that is always empty and faces hidden behind masks. Anthony also stresses past social and cultural influences for instance by inserting figures from earlier paintings in new contexts. He believes that artists have the obligation to let their work show a true response to the transitional process of socio and political change around us and within us. Always interested in art and music, Anthony found that working in an Art Museum environment stimulated and encouraged him to start painting more seriously. He found the ongoing tense political situation in South Africa, the struggle against apartheid, the marches, the riots and the diverse and vibrant population, provided a stimulating and colourful subject matter . His earlier works depict the tension and struggle of a nation whilst his later works depict a more introspective look at his personal conflicts and struggles. Although Anthony has never painted for a commercial market, he has paintings in private collections both in South Africa and abroad. He is also represented in the following publications: 1.