Ryan Hewett
Verwoerd (from the collection 'Once were Leaders')
2016

About the Item

This is a stunning artwork by South African artist Ryan Hewett. It is part of a series of works titled "Once Were Leaders" that the artist created in 2016, a new style for Hewett, which catapulted his career. In this style, he uses order and restraint, with flat colors and clean lines contrasting with his heavy impasto. Hewett explores South Africa's political figures, including controversial ones like Jan Smuts and Hendrik Verwoerd, as well as national heroes like Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo. He looks at power, influence, morality, and vulnerability in both public and private lives. The result is a powerful and mature piece of art. Biography Ryan Hewett (b. 1979) is a South African artist. He is renowned for his evocative portraits that explore the inner journey of soul-searching, relying principally on the intuitive processes of memory and imagination. Using a variety of oil painting techniques, from brushes to knives, Hewett’s extensive knowledge draws on renowned movements within art history. Hewett has exhibited extensively in art fairs, group and solo exhibitions in major cities around the world. His recent solo exhibitions include Asia Art Centre, Taipei, Taiwan (2023); H+, UTA Artist Space, Los Angeles, USA (2021) and Ryan Hewett: Nothing New Under The Sun, The Goss Michael Foundation, Dallas, Texas, USA (2019). In 2022 his works were featured in multiple group exhibitions that include Unit London Take-over, Nassima Landau Foundation, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Armory Show, Art Fair, Maruani Mercier, New York, USA and The Playground of Geometry, CICA Vancouver, CA. Hewett’s work can be found in various international private and public collections, including the Nassima Landau Foundation, Tel Aviv Israel; Amoli Foundation, Hong Kong; X Museum, Beijing, China; Goss Michael Foundation, Dallas, USA and Fine Art Centre, Taipei, Taiwan, among others.

Creator:

Ryan Hewett

Creation Year:

2016

Dimensions:

Height: 39.38 in (100 cm)Width: 35.44 in (90 cm)Depth: 1.58 in (4 cm)

Medium:

Oil

Movement & Style:

Expressionist

Period:

2010-