Jordan
8 April 2009
As Minister of Arts and Culture it was with sadness that I learnt of the
passing away of the internationally renowned artist, Cecil Skotnes this
week.
His exceptional achievement in the deracialisation of the arts together with
his outstanding contribution to the development of black artists earned him the
prestigious Order of Ikhamanga in Gold.
From 1952 to 1966 Cecil Skotnes taught art at the Polly Street Art Centre,
in Johannesburg, which was virtually one of the only places for black artists
to receive training until the appearance of Rorkes Drift Centre in northern
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in the late 1960s. This encouraged the emergence of African
Urban Arts. He was also the chairperson of the Johannesburg "Bantu Music
Festival." He took over from Walter Batiss as the president of the South
African Council of Artists and later became a founder member and trustee of the
Community Arts Project in Cape Town. Working through trying times Skotnes made
a remarkable contribution to the development of the black artists in South
Africa.
Cecil Skotnes exhibited internationally in many countries. Skotnes is mostly
acclaimed as a printmaker, however he painted, sculpted, worked with tapestry
and a number of media.
Cecil Skotnes was a recipient of a number of awards and three Honorary
Doctorates. His works fetched record prices at the Russel Kaplan's recent
auction.
Cecil Skotnes is deeply admired and leaves a rich legacy through his
contribution. Hamba kahle Cecil Skotnes. Our sincere condolences to Pippa and
the rest of the family.
Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
8 April 2009
Source: Department of Arts and Culture (http://www.dac.gov.za)
