Abstract
M.A. (Art History)
In the South African literature of Art there has been no real
focus on the arid landscape as such. Yet, as it is typical of
the country, it is being increasingly explored and painted.
However, a discrepancy exists: although the human experience
of the arid landscape has become more apparent in paintings
since the Fifties, this phenomenon was not really reflected in
the Art Literature. This research was conducted to assess the
value of landscapes in South African paintings, especially the
arid landscape.
In the introduction it is shown that the term "landscape" can
be interpreted in two ways. In the first instance, the term
"landscape" refers to the visual, geographical features of a
specific area. In the second instance, the term "landscape"
relates to metaphysical aspects, such as the experiencing,
processing, involvement and relationship of man with his
environment. A short historical review was done of South
African paintings during the periods 1860-1920 and 1920-1950.
During these periods the rural existence acted as the norm in
landscapes. This norm changed after 1950, reflecting a more
abstract tendency in art, which indicated a deepening
spiritual expression by man.
In chapter two an introductory view is given of the third
period 1950-1990, focusing on the interaction of man and the
arid landscape as expressed on four levels, namely, the
geographical, the social, the psychic and the spiritual.
The arid landscape appears geographically prominent as it
covers a vast area of the land.