(b. 1950, Pietermaritzberg, South Africa)

Bruce Backhouse is an eminent landscape painter who resides in Johannesburg. Throughout his career, he has immersed himself in the vast arid interior of South Africa - the Great Karoo and the Kalahari. His paintings are the consequence of the artists intense visceral relationship with uninhabited aridity devoid of human manipulation. Backhouse took part in the Tswalu AiR - artists in residence program - in 2019 where he produced a number of paintings which are a result of that sojourn.

“The private challenge to myself was to compress 114 000 hectares of unspoiled semi-desert, into a number of canvases and works on paper, each one being approximately a metre square. Capturing the atmosphere of the diversity of Tswalu was, I think, my goal.

All artists thrive on big chunks of uninterrupted time. Tswalu provides this perfectly. Concentration is effortless. Not only is the geographical environment ideal, but the studio makes for a working space that very quickly, becomes your own. I have never in my career been as productive, without trying too hard. The time frame of three months suited me perfectly.

My methodology was to ride my bike or walk at first light, and at the end of each day I'd carry a sketchbook for referencing. I'd then spend the day painting from memory, in the wonderfully private Tswalu studio.

I have always been drawn to that point where the sky touches the land, ie the horizon, and how to interpret that onto paper or canvas. The Tswalu landscapes are highly complex, unique and varied. From clean skies that change daily, to rugged rolling mountains, to seemingly flat dunes that stretch on into a haze of white light.

Then there are the colours. The Tswalu sand/earth is impossible to capture. Depending on the light, one minute it’s burnt sienna, then … there are the seasons. As elusive as I’ve found Tswalu, I have found it as stimulating. I was fortunate enough to get two bites of Tswalu: before and after the rains. Hopefully the sensual and atmospheric landscapes are captured on my large-scale canvasses and works on paper.” – Bruce Backhouse on his experience at Tswalu (March 2020)

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

1970-1971

Studied fine art at Rhodes University for 2 years under Brian Bradshaw

Gained work experience as an Art Director and Creative Director at various advertising

agencies in South Africa for 25 years.

Illustrated ad campaigns, magazine covers and newspaper articles during this period.

1997-2004

MD Image Bank South Africa

2004

Became a full-time artist 

SOLO AND GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2020

The Clarity of Wilderness – Tswalu, Everard Read Johannesburg & Tswalu

2018

Print-making with Mark Attwood, Artist’s Press

2014

Karoo Preserved, solo exhibition, Everard Read Johannesburg

2013

100, Everard Read Group Centenary Exhibition, Johannesburg

Vignette, Carol Lee, Johannesburg

Summer Exhibition, Elizabeth Gordon Gallery, Durban

2012

Summer Exhibition, Elizabeth Gordon Gallery, Durban

2011

Durban – A City for all Seasons, Elizabeth Gordon Gallery, Durban

2010

A view from the South, Everard Read, Johannesburg

Solo exhibition, Obert Contemporary, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg

Summer Exhibition, Gallery 88, Paarl

2009

Solo exhibition Watercolour Monotypes & Etchings, David Krut Gallery

2008

Exhibition at Grande Provence Gallery, Franschoek

Exhibition at Upper Deck Gallery, Plettenberg Bay

2007

Launch Solo show of David Krut's new space, Johannesburg.

Exhibition at UNISA Gallery, "David Krut Prints".

2005

Exhibition at Everard Read Johannesburg

1982

Solo exhibition at Ronnie van der Walt Gallery, Melville.

1980

Solo exhibition at The Market Theatre Gallery.

ART FAIR’S

2015 – 2018

Turbine Art Fair, Carol Lee, Johannesburg

2015

Venice Biennale, Benetton Project Artist

2013

Sydney Contemporary, Everard Read Johannesburg

2008 – 2012

Johannesburg Art Fair, Everard Read, Johannesburg

RESIDENCY PROGRAMS

2019

Tswalu Oppenheimer Kalahari Reserve, three-month artist residency

COLLECTIONS AND COMMISSIONS

FNB

First Rand

Rand Merchant Bank

Wanderers Stadium

Standard Bank Collection

UNISA

The Weekender

Business Day

ArtBank

Renasa Insurance

Black & white internal mural, private residence, Llandudno, Cape Town

Private collections in South Africa, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and USA