JOHANN LOUW Untitled

JOHANN LOUW Lying Head II	JOHANN LOUW Lying Head IV	JOHANN LOUW Lying Head I
JOHANN LOUW Lying Head III	JOHANN LOUW Large Standing Figure (Back View)	JOHANN LOUW Large Lying Figure

JOHANN LOUW Sutherland

JOHANN LOUW Large Head From Back

My work is described in a text for a recent exhibition  as follows:

"The psychological landscape of South African identity is explored in a tactile, visceral style of painting by juxtaposing anonymous figures in anonymous spaces with images of the South African Interior. This semi-desert landscape is typified in Louw's work by the repeated stretches of dry bush, waterless riverbeds and the continual presence of mountain chains on the horison.  Louw's consistent preoccupation with 'the vulnerable intimate', as he calls it, is represented in the most recent works by variations of the same female figure juxtaposed with this consuming and impersonal landscape."

Of course, the landscape could also function differently - depending on each work. An emotively intelligent reading of my painting is crucial.

To this, however, I might add my interest in occasionally finding layered - or buried - latent art historical references in my work. These references - entry points -  should not detract from the emotive content, otherwise the painting becomes pointless.