Errol Theunissen
Artist Bio
I am a self-taught artist. I paint in oil. I do not have to venture far to find subject matter for my work as I find it in my own environment, my daily experiences, my memories and social themes and issues I see affecting people. The relationship between Humans and animals has a special place in my practice as I am aware of the importance of animals and the benefits of our relationships with them in this complex world.
Selected Work
The Fish Have Left The SeaName: The Fish Have Left The SeaThis painting is about the need to look after our seas. Inspired by recent mass die-offs along the North East coast, it reflects mystery, denial, and community impact. Figures among dead sea life represent time: the man (past), the boy (present), and the girl gazing ahead (future).
The painting/cutout is based on a photo from the 1930s when constructing skyscrapers became a strong drive, and the competition to build the world’s tallest building was fierce. I used this image as a symbol of human desire. I replaced the ridiculous-looking hats in the photo with more recent tall buildings, indicating ongoing development and devastation to our environment, using a lone frog to represent nature.
Medium: Mixed Media/Cutout on board (framed)
Size: 66cm x 86cm framed, (60cm x 80cm unframed)
Year: 2024