Aadila Mahomed explains why despite urban decay, Hermann Niebuhr has managed to capture the richness and flux of Johannesburg.
This is a painting by Hermann Niebuhr depicting the City of Gold.
From a far, it looks like a photograph, but as you near it, you can see the detailed work of the oil painting.
This piece is interesting as it shows a story of a Joburg city life, the richness of the colour: from gold tinted buildings to the setting sun, switching to greying clouds.
It shows the contrast and the blending of colours, which makes it stand out, but is not difficult on the eye. It seems as if you are staring through a window and time just stands still.
Niebuhr experiments with different techniques. The bottom portion of the painting can be seen as blending into an almost watermark like finish. This represents Johannesburg's innovations, flux and disorder.
Born in Johannesburg, Niebhur graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Rhodes University. He utilises oils on paintings as a classical style. He uses this style to present urban decay and landscapes.
Picture Caption: A Johannesburg Cityscape, picture source: niebuhr.co.za
By: Aadila Mahomed