"Celebrating Nature: Klein Karoo and Wildlife" Exhibition At The Cape Gallery In Cape Town

Written by Thandi Tshabalala Sunday, 08 April 2012 21:34

Cape Town, S.A.- The Karoo National Park, founded in 1979, is a wildlife reserve in the isolated Karoo area of the Western Cape, South Africa near Beaufort West. The area is mostly semi-desert and is well known for its isolation. The national park is home of many desert mammals, along with the Black Eagle and various species of tortoise, laying claim to the largest populations off these species in South Africa. Endangered species such as the Black Rhinoceros and Riverine Rabbit have been successfully resettled here. The Klein (Little) Karoo is the smaller (and more southerly) of the two Karoo sub-regions. Geographically it is a fertile valley (bounded on the north by the Swartberg, and on the south by the Langeberg and Outeniqua mountains). This area was first explored by European settlers in the late 17th century, who encountered only Khoisan people living in this rather dry area. Modern farming methods have brought productivity and wealth to this district. The Cape Gallery exhibition "Celebrating Nature: Klein Karoo and Wildlife" is a collection of landscape and wildlife paintings and drawings by husband and wife artists Robert and Marinda Koch that celebrate the terrain and wildlife of the Klein Karoo. The exhibition runs from 27th March to the 16th of April 2011.





Robert Koch, born 1971, is an accomplished wildlife artist, with an in-depth feeling and inspiration for Africa. As a child he accompanied his father on frequent painting excursions into the African bush, acquiring an infinite knowledge of his subject matter. At an early age, Robert had his first exhibition and has since earned his living from painting the African wilderness. Robert is the son of the renowned wildlife artist, Martin Koch, nephew of Francois and Johan Koch. All the brothers are highly exhibited international artists, with Robert following rapidly in their footsteps. At the age of 23 he participated in his first Christies Annual Wildlife Art Auction, in London, which was very well received by art collectors. This ability has earned him commissions from various local and international collectors such as; American Broadway star, Jeff Fenholdt; American Hotel tycoon, Jerry Inzerillo; British billionaire, Sir Richard Branson; Sun International; Australian mining companies; South African National Parks; ABSA banking group; South African Defence Force; South African Broadcasting corporation; etc. He is adept in oil on canvas, watercolour and sculpture. He is a brilliant landscape, wildlife and portrait artist. Robert is a naturalist, realist and is sometimes impressionistic, forming his own style. Robert says: “I have always had freedom of expressing myself and I believe it formed me into a versatile artist. I love creating light in my paintings to enhance the atmosphere and African scenes present the ideal setting.” He has the ability to capture that specific moment that seems insignificant, that moment between events, to capture the mood and this is superbly presented in his work. It is his consuming love and passion for the subjects of his paintings that make them come alive, make them a little piece of Africa. Marinda Koch tends to work in pen and ink, producing remarkable sketches of the local wildlife. "My childhood experiences growing up in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga had a huge impact on the way I interpret the beauty of nature and wildlife. I translate and convey that mood and emotion into the simplicity of ink. I am also a keen photographer that loves the monochromes of black and white landscapes. Often going on photographic excursions with my husband, sharing and Celebrating Nature!"




The Cape Gallery, 60 Church Street is set in the heart of the old city off the Church Street walking mall, flanked by the colourful Georgian and Dutch facades built by the 18th and 19th century settlers. Behind these facades are some of the oldest and prestigious galleries, antique shops, and auction houses in Cape Town. Central to the tradition of South African painting is the abiding love of the land. Early Cape painters were 'reporters' who described the topography, flora and fauna of this fascinating land, a conservative approach which is still favoured by the gallery's clients today. Recently the emergence of the vibrant street art has added an essentially African character to the work on display. The Cape Gallery represents African artists with a vast range of styles and working in all types of medium. Visit the Cape Gallery's website at ... http://www.capegallery.co.za

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