PAUL AUGUSTINUS | African Refugia

Paul Augustinus’ paintings have been exhibited at Everard Read for over 30 years.  During those decades the artist has evolved his practice from a painter of wildlife in northern Botswana into a pre-eminent landscape painter who’s work powerfully conveys the ‘spirit of place’ of Africa’s last remaining great wilderness areas.  Refugia.  Places that must be left alone by humankind.  Places that need to be vast enough to harbour intact ecosystems that hold vital genetic diversity critical to future evolution of all creatures and flora.

Its is challenging to intellectually comprehend the subtle, yet dynamic tensions that pervade Africa’s unspoilt areas.  To those that allow themselves to be immersed both physically and spiritually Refugia have the tendency to transform our attitude to our way of life and how we perceive our only home; planet earth.  This attribute, inherent in true wilderness is pervasive, humbling and resets our internal optimism.  It is also very difficult to convey this almost mystical dynamism on canvas.  Paul Augustinus has honed his art to the point where the viewer is transported in an instant to a place of sublime natural beauty. One is also left wondering how the artist both conceived of his breadth of vision and then accessed the profound skill to allow oil paint to convey it. A rare tour-de-force of landscape painting.

Mark Read

For any further enquiries please contact gallery@everard.co.za