About
John Robbertse

John Robbertse: A Contemporary South African Artist

Born in Rustenburg, North-West, in 1991, John Robbertse is a distinctive South African artist known for his unique approach to painting and drawing. He seamlessly blends traditional painting techniques with found objects, such as antique teacups and dinner spoons, to create compelling works that explore fluid personal identities and societal reactions to them.

Artistic Journey and Influences

Robbertse's artistic journey was profoundly shaped by his lecturer and mentor at the Tshwane University of Technology, the acclaimed South African installation artist Jan Van Der Merwe. Inspired by Van Der Merwe, Robbertse developed his own visual language, working in miniature on found objects. Van Der Merwe describes these intricate pieces as "...tiny pieces of jewellery which calls to be carefully inspected one by one," highlighting Robbertse's meticulous attention to detail and the intimate nature of his art.

Exhibitions and Recognition

Robbertse's talent has been recognized through his participation in prestigious exhibitions like Sasol New Signatures (2014) and the Thami Mnyele Fine Arts Awards (2014). He also contributed to various smaller competitions and group exhibitions, including a collaborative glass exhibition alongside international artists such as Australian Dr. Gerry King and Retief Van Wyk. His dedication and skill were celebrated in 2015 when he won first prize at the Thami Mnyele Fine Arts Awards and the Lizamore & Associates Mentorship Prize, leading to his inaugural solo exhibition, "Mondvol-Mouthfull," in 2016.

Educator and Artistic Contributor

After earning his MTech degree in Fine and Applied Arts from the Tshwane University of Technology in 2017, Robbertse dedicated a decade to visual arts education. He taught at both public and private institutions, including Hoërskool Rustenburg and Curro Roodeplaat, sharing his passion and expertise with aspiring artists.

Current Endeavors

Currently residing in Pretoria, John Robbertse is a full-time artist committed to developing his unique creative voice and undertaking private commissions. He has also taken on significant roles within the Franco Prinsloo group, serving as the production manager of Franco Prinsloo Productions (FPP) and head curator of the Franco Prinsloo Art Collection (FPAC). In these capacities, Robbertse actively contributes to and shapes the vibrant artistic landscape of South Africa.