Publications
Partners
The next step for Eugene Junior Oliphant to celebrate his “Colored excellence” is to attend an art exhibition in Berlin, Germany, where two of his artworks will attract the attention of art lovers and connoisseurs from all over the world.
After his first exposure to an art exhibition abroad – last year in London – this 27-year-old artist from Roodepan in Kimberley had inspiration anew to promote his culture and enhance his style.
On returning home, he painted “Children of the San IV – Ophelia”. Upon seeing this painting, his mom remarked that it looks vandalised, “just like the Colored culture.”
With this Oliphant realised he had succeeded in capturing his unique heritage and culture, which is “not easy to grow up in.”
Through his art he “wants to celebrate Colored excellence because we are a marginalised group,” he says.
Two of his other paintings, “Children of the San VI - A Traveler's Journal” and “The Messiah Complex” were selected for Galeria Azur’s exhibition, ACT 2, scheduled from 7 March to 5 April in Germany – an opportunity Oliphant is hoping to grab as the gallery is not sponsoring his trip.
'Stereotyped all the time'
“To be raised in a Colored community is not easy as you are stereotyped all the time,” Oliphant says, making it clear that he is an artist, not an activist. On his Facebook page he describes himself as a “Visual Artist / Colored / Coloured / Khoisan Kjeent”.
He explains when a Colored person excels, it is attributed to being a “South African”. But as soon as such a person causes trouble or does not perform, it is attributed to being “Colored”.
Also, Oliphant says, most Black people feel they are the only ones who went through the struggle.
He recalls an incident when he was still attending a school in Johannesburg where he was stereotyped as “hy steek mes” just because he was Colored.
“Only after school did I start to understand stereotyping better, and I realised that I am also judging people.”
Although Roodepan is Oliphant’s community, he describes the Northern Cape town of Daniëlskuil as his home.
Through his art, Oliphant wants to unite communities; educate them on their heritage.
“I want to explore my culture and identity as the Khoisan are my ancestors. I incorporate that in my work as well.”
Oliphant portrays his work as controversial and provocative in the way he uses replicas of cave drawings, amongst other, in the background as part of his voice and style.
Also, he wants to challenge the concept of what is seen as African art. African art is not only art from Black artists, he says.
Paintings impress in London, Berlin
Oliphant describes his exposure in London where two of his other artworks were chosen by ItsLiquid Group for its eighth edition of the London Contemporary Art Fair as a very “identifiable experience”.
He explains it is a first-world city – structured and clean. Yet, he was surprised to find shipping containers – which are commonly regarded as second-hand or a cheap compromise – neatly stacked and painted to form a mall in a five-star area.
For him it was symbolic that it is possible to get out of the ghetto.
Oliphant further realised that the London culture is very appreciative of graffiti artists, and it enhances his vision to do more murals in the Northern Cape.
With this, Oliphant has already started; he has done container art in Galeshewe and is busy with murals at the AR Abass Stadium.
One of his paintings exhibited in London changed his life and made his dream of traveling the world through the art, come true.
He describes this painting, “Children of the San I – The Great Depression”, as a symbol of good hope for depression amongst men.
“This artwork does not only speak up for mental health awareness, but it is dear to me as a Colored, male artist trying to make it in the art industry. Stuck between accepting the term ‘colored’ even though it is oppressive and trying to find my cultural identity.”
He hopes this artwork can serve as a call to action to try and fix the system that is created to suppress Colored growth.
“Unemployment plays a big role in our communities that leads to all sorts of problems, and suicide is one of them.”
“Children of the San VI – A Traveler’s Journal” – one of the artworks selected to be exhibited in Berlin – is a depiction of what it is like to be a Colored man in South Africa, he says. It is also about the baggage that he personally has as an artist and must carry through life.
On the other selected artwork, “The Messiah Complex“, he explains that the term refers to a state of mind where an individual believes he is responsible for saving others.
The curatorial team of the Galeria Azur was impressed with Oliphant’s artistic merit and unique perspective in these two works. In the invitation letter, Virginia Vanni, curatorial leader in Berlin, stated the team was drawn to these works as it perfectly aligns with the thematic focus of the exhibition.
“Oliphant’s unique perspective and artistic contributions will undoubtedly enrich the cultural tapestry of our exhibition. We are confident that his presence will be a source of inspiration for fellow artists and a highlight for our visitors,” Vanni wrote.
Dream comes true
For Oliphant, to be able to attend the art exhibition in London last year was a dream come true as an artist. He is incredibly grateful towards the premier of the Northern Cape, Dr. Zamani Saul, and the Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture for their funding.
As amongst other a tattooist and photographer, Oliphant is currently offering his services as tattoo-artist and artist to raise funds to be able to attend the event in Berlin.
Apart from travel, accommodation, and visa arrangements, a participation fee must also be paid to the Galeria Azur.
Oliphant, who was born in Kimberley, lost both his parents at a young age and was raised by his aunt, Thelma Verkoper, whom he regarded as his mom.
He spent the biggest part of his childhood in Kempton Park, Gauteng, and relocated to the Northern Cape when he was in Gr. 9 and matriculated at the Pescodia High School in Kimberley.
He is studying towards a diploma in Design and Studio Art at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, in Bloemfontein, which he still could not complete due to obstacles. At the end of last year, he graduated in Graphic Design from ATTI Kimberley.
Oliphant has never hesitated to try his skills on different terrains, and has experience as, amongst other, a security officer, waiter, bartender, sales consultant, stock controller, and control room operator.
He learnt the art of tattooing along the way, and it is his biggest income.
'You become what you are exposed to'
For Oliphant, his future is in the Northern Cape, giving back to its artists.
“I want to change the mindset of young people of my community, and their systematic mindset of staying in the same circle. I was surrounded with negative energy – you become what you are exposed to,” he believes.
Oliphant endorses the Afrikaans rappers, Pikes and Dodo’s “Ons kap net aan man”, and he says, “Ons kap nie om nie. Ons kap aan.”
- Follow Junior Oliphant on Facebook, Realjunioroliphantart on Instagram, write to junioroliphant0@gmail.com or send him a WhatsApp message on 065-652-2716.
