NEDBANK 

ART SUITE

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HERE, THERE & FORWARD

Near Stellenbosch

Sheila Nowers

1942 – 2022

Artwork Details

Artist          Sheila Nowers 
Title            Near Stellenbosch
Year            1988
Medium      Watercolour (14 x 14cm)

About the Artist

Sheila Marion Nowers (1942–2022) was a South African artist known for watercolour, charcoal and mixed-media works depicting landscapes, street life, animals and everyday scenes. She participated in the Cape Town Triennials of 1985 and 1988 and her work continued to appear in later collections.

About this Artwork

Near Stellenbosch reflects the enduring appeal of the Western Cape landscape to a number of South African artist. The work depicts the agricultural and dilapidated ruins of a homestead surrounding Stellenbosch. Here, Nowers appears to be concerned with capturing atmosphere and a sense of abandon. The small scale of the work encourages close viewing. Through transparent washes and subtle colour variations, the artist creates a convincing sense of depth while retaining the spontaneity characteristic of watercolour.

Unlike large-scale landscape paintings that seek to dramatise the grandeur of the South African land, Nowers's approach is quieter and more personal. Her interpretation of the landscape is rooted in direct and close observation.