Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Fine Art, Durban Institute of Technology, 2004. / This research aims to critically investigate the changing colonial and post-colonial attitudes towards the South African landscape, as physical space and its representation, through a post-colonial and Post-Modern critique. Chapter One explores the shifting colonial attitudes toward the landscape from the middle of the eighteenth century to the middle of the twentieth century, to provide an historical overview and context for contemporary practice. Section One defines colonialism for the purposes of this study and provides a brief history of colonialism in South Africa. Section Two provides a concise history of European visual representation from the middle of the eighteenth century to the middle of the twentieth century in order to contextualize the development of South African landscape painting. Section Three analyzes and evaluates changing colonial attitudes and their representation through a discussion of the work of Francois Le Vaillant (1753-1842), Thomas Baines (1820-1875) and J.H. Pierneef (1886-1957). Chapter Two explores attitudes towards the South African landscape between 1948 and 1994 in order to provide a link between colonial representation and post-colonial contemporary practice. / M

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Fine Arts, 2017 / The central question I want to ask in this dissertation is: How to paint a highway? It sounds simple, but considering all that highways represent, the answer is anything but straightforward. The motivation for this study came about due to my travels on the N1 between two of my homes - one in Johannesburg, Gauteng, and the other in Rosendal, eastern Free State. [No abstract provided. Information taken from introduction]. / XL2018

This study examines the means by which Clive van den Berg (b.1956) presents and explores the South African landscape and recent past, and in so doing examines the evolution of van den Berg's process of looking and interpretation. Seminal to such an investigation is a Critical examination of what history, memory and landscape are or might be perceived to be. Chapter.One centres on an evaluation of these terms and comprises a discussion of their perceived meanings particularfy as they relate to the visual arts, and especially in terms of South African art history. The investigation is facilitated by an examination of key works produced by van den Berg between 1983, which marks the commencement of the Views from the Oasis Series, and 1998, the year in which van den Berg produced the sculptural piece that comprises his contribution to the !Xoe Site Specific Project. In addition, it was in 1998 that van den Berg added the medium of video to his range of materials. Selected examples of van den Berg's earlier works, those executed in the1980s, are examined in Chapter Two. The works that are discussed here are: selected works from the Views from the Oasis Series (1983), the Large Oasis Series (1985) and the Sacred Site Series (1985). Reference is also made in this chapter to selected images from van den Berg's series of Invocations (1987). These images are examined primarily in terms of the challenge they present to conventional definitions of landscape and history. In subsequent v.urks of the 1980s van den Berg has presented the landscape more overtly as a symbol of self and personal experience. Central Park: Durban (1987) serves as an early example of work of this type and is. discussed here as it well illustrates a transition in terms of van den Berg's approach to the landscape. In Chapter Three selected vvorks produced by van den Berg in the 1990s are discussed. The works under review here are: the drawings that form part of van den Berg's Mine Dump Project (1994), his installation Men Loving (1996) executed for the Faultlines Project and the sculptural piece created for the !Xoe Site-Specific Project (1988). With these works van den Berg explores not only the marks left on the land by South African recent and colonial history or memory, but also those aspects of South Africa's past which remain hidden- and are unrecoverable. Van den Berg's more recent use of video is also referred to in Chapter Three as his use of, and approach to, this medium may be seen to add a further dimension to his investigations into history. Special attention is paid to the significance of the medium, or kinds of materials used in the creation of these 'HOrks, and condusions are drawn in terms of van den Berg's selection of subject and approach to medium in the period under study. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2000.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Indiana University, Dept. of Fine Arts- History of Art, 2006. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed Nov. 3, 2008). Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-11, Section: A, page: 4015. Adviser: Sarah Leah Burns.

M.Tech. / The landscape of South Africa has changed dramatically since early colonisation. Even so, it appears that the conventions employed in portraying landscapes have not; colonial landscape imagery that helped promote European immigration to this country during the Nineteenth Century remains remarkably similar to conventions employed in contemporary landscape representation used to market game reserves. In this dissertation, it is argued that colonial landscape imagery facilitates and supports a view of nature as an „authentic‟ wilderness available for expropriation. It is proposed that wildlife reserves, both in their intent and realisation, present a simulacrum of wilderness, also available for the consumer and promoted by advertising imagery. It is further argued that it remains the imperative commodification of nature which informs the pictorial conventions adopted in both cases. Thus, the myths inherent in both colonial representations of landscape and the utopian vision proffered in game reserve marketing are challenged. This research project employs discourse analysis that is framed in a qualitative, interpretative paradigm. Colonial imagery is examined in terms of post-colonialist critique of imperial landscape representation, while a post-modern approach is used to investigate contemporary imagery. This research project demonstrates that landscape imagery used to promote a „natural‟ wildlife site, is persistently presented according to prescribed canon as a functioning system regardless of its actual condition. Futhermore, the research project leads to an alternative view of nature, presented in my practical work, that is cognisant of the problems experienced in reality.

This dissertation considers nature imagery in selected South Afiican ceramics and printmaking. The main focus is on ecological issues in recent art productions. The text consists of five chapters. The first examines the ideologies of Fritjof Capra in relation to issues about deep ecology and ecofeminism; this chapter seeks to clarify the scope of the words 'land' and 'landscape' as used in a late 20th century context. The second chapter examines some historical works and ideas that have influenced perceptions of nature imagery in South Afiica. Chapters three, four and five constitute the main body of the thesis, and examine nature imagery in selected examples of contemporary printmaking and ceramics. Chapter three investigates selected landscape images ofceramist Esias Bosch and printmakers Gerda Scholtemeijer and Kim Berman. In chapter four the focus is on the flora as the point of reference. Prints of Gerhard Marx, Douglas Goode, EIsa Pooley and Karel Nel, who were all participants in the Art meets Science: Flowers as Images exhibition, will be examined. Important issues such as the separation ofbotanical and fine art, and art and science will be discussed with reference to their work. This will be followed by discussion of works of Susan Sellschop (a ceramic mural) and Bronwen Jane Heath (a wood engraving) in order to demonstrate the different intentions and outcomes ofthese to artists. Three dimensional works of the three ceramists, Lesley-Anne Hoets, Samantha Read-and Katherine Glenday are discussed in the final section of chapter four. Chapter five examines the interrelationship oflandscape and land. This chapter comprises two main sections. The first deals with aspects of landownership in South Africa reflected in recent ceramics and printmaking. Examples of the work of Marion Arnold and Ellalou O'Meara reinterpret images of early explorers and colonists situating them in a contemporary arena, demonstrating connections between past and present. Landownership is the overt subject in the Fee Halsted Berning, whose ceramic relief panel reflects a different perspective of landownership from the prints ofthe Schmidtsdrift artists. The second section surveys work of four artists whose images draw attention to ecological matters. Wendy Ross, Diana Carmichael, Marion Arnold and Carol Hofrneyr create images that higWight different aspects of the fragile balance of nature. / Thesis (M.A.) - University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2000

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis explores the role played by drawings in the creation of knowledge. The study specifically focuses on drawings of the South African landscape and how it led to knowledge of our country. The Western perception of the concept of nature in relation to culture or civilisation is investigated by brief reference to a few periods in Western history. It is argued that man and nature was separated in Western thought by the establishment of rational thinking. This concept led to man's exploitation of nature to his own advantage. The division between man and nature was broadened in the quest for technological advancement. The first European travellers came to South Africa with a Western mind set, hoping for better economical conditions. The illustrated traveller's report reflects the verbal and visual capturing and exploitation of the South African landscape. It is further argued that European travellers tried to structure the landscape according to Western aesthetical traditions. Drawings appear to be picturesque but have radical political, economical and social implications. Colonial depictions created knowledge, but in fact symbolically legitimise the expansion of power. Until the middle of the twentieth century Western aesthetic traditions were applied to visual depictions of the South African landscape. During this period, artists were uncritical of the oppressive political system and in doing so gave their tacit consent. Ever since the middle of the twentieth century, several artists voiced their opinions against the unfair policy of the ruling political party. Visual images asked subtle questions and gave radical judgements; thus knowledge was created and a contribution made to the freedom of all South Africans. My drawings of South African landscapes are to be understood against this theoretical background. I use drawings to ask questions about the relationship between the visual image and the establishment of knowledge. I also refer to the relationship between the original and the copy, reality, the photo and the drawing. I conclude the following: drawings lead to the creation of knowledge and landscape depictions have implications of power. The solution to this problem lies, in the end, once more III drawings.My depictions of South African landscapes are given as an answer. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis is 'n ondersoek na die rol wat visuele beelde kan speel in die oordrag van idees. Daar word spesifiek gekyk na hoe tekeninge van die Suid-Afrikaanse landskap gelei het tot die totstandkoming van kennis oor ons land. Die Westerse verstaan van die begrip natuur in verhouding tot kultuur of beskawing word ondersoek deur kortliks te verwys na 'n paar periodes gedurende die Westerse geskiedenis. Daar word aangevoer dat Westerse denke die mens en die natuur van mekaar geskei het deur die instelling van rasionele denke. So het daar 'n geloof in menslike rede ontstaan. Dié beskouing het daartoe gelei dat die mens die natuur begin uitbuit het tot eie voordeel. Die kloof tussen mens en natuur het al hoe dieper geword in 'n strewe na tegnologiese vooruitgang. Die eerste Europese reisigers het vanuit 'n Westerse verwysingsraamwerk na Suid-Afrika gekom met die hoop op beter ekonomiese vooruitsigte. Die geïllustreerde reisverslag weerspieël die inneming en uitbuiting van die Suid-Afrikaanse landskap visueel en verbaal. Daar word aangevoer dat Europese reisigers die landskap deur middel van tekeninge, uitgevoer volgens Westerse estetiese tradisies, probeer struktureer het. Tekeninge kom skilderagtig voor, maar het radikale politiese, ekonomiese en sosiale implikasies. Koloniale tekeninge het kennis geskep en in werklikheid magsuitbreiding simbolies gelegitimeer. Westerse estetiese tradisies is tot die middel van die twintigste eeu toegepas op visuele uitbeeldings van die Suid-Afrikaanse landskap. Gedurende dié tydperk het kunstenaars die onderdrukkende, heersende politieke stelsel in werklikheid ondersteun deur totaalonkrities daarteenoor te staan. Teen die middel van die twintigste eeu het verskillende kunstenaars in opstand gekom teen die onregverdige beleid van die regerende party. Visuele beelde is gebruik om subtiele vrae te stel sowel as radikale uitsprake te lewer en het so kennis geskep en bygedra tot die bevryding van alle Suid- Afrikaners. My tekeninge van Suid-Afrikaanse landskappe moet teen dié teoretiese agtergrond gelees word. Ek gebruik teken om vrae steloor die verhouding tussen die visuele beeld en kennis wat so tot stand kom. Daar word verwys na die verhouding tussen oorspronklike en kopie, werklikheid, foto en tekening. Die gevolgtrekking is dat tekeninge kan lei tot die totstandkoming van kennis en dat uitbeeldings van landskappe magsimplikasies kan hê. Die oplossing vir hierdie probleem lê uiteindelik weer in tekeninge. My uitbeeldings van Suid-Afrikaanse landskappe word as antwoord gebied.

Entre 1780 et 1850, les Belges développent une image symbolique de leur environnement physique. Cette image, conjuguée à une action de transformation du terrain, participe à la structuration de l’environnement belge en un territoire national. Elle témoigne d’une grande stabilité durant l’époque considérée. Dans cette optique symbolique, l’environnement belge incarne les caractères de la communauté nationale, il exprime non seulement le long passé partagé par le sol et les hommes, les interactions séculaires qui les lient, mais aussi les aspirations nourries par les Belges à l’égard de l’avenir.<p>Les premières images mentales du territoire national développées dans le chef des Belges consistent en lieux génériques (les expressions en italiques sont empruntées à Bernard Debarbieux). Définis par le discours, ces lieux génériques sont des environnements physiques dont la physionomie résulte des donnés naturels et de leur transformation par l’homme. La physionomie de ces lieux est donc dominée par l’agriculture, l’industrie et l’habitat humain. Ces configurations génériques ne recouvrent en réalité qu’une partie du territoire national. Leur élection en tant que résumé idéal du territoire belge, reflète les aspirations de la communauté.<p>La qualité esthétique paysagère des lieux génériques du territoire belge n’apparaît pas cependant avec évidence aux contemporains. Un écart sépare le discours et la représentation picturale. Si le premier reconnaît souvent une qualité esthétique aux lieux génériques, qui deviennent alors des paysages, la représentation iconographique se montre plus réticente à leur égard.<p>Les Belges de l’époque développent une seconde facette symbolique de leur territoire. Ils soulignent l’omniprésence des souvenirs historiques nationaux dans leur environnement. La Belgique leur apparaît telle un ensemble de lieux de condensation. Le discours contemporain et les œuvres des peintres, lithographes ou graveurs, témoignant d’une cohésion remarquable, illustrent abondamment les lieux de condensation belges. <p>Les Belges cherchent à diffuser ces images mentales parmi leurs compatriotes. Ce projet collectif répond à une volonté de faire connaître et adopter ces paysages symboliques par l’ensemble des membres de la nation. Cette connaissance passe pour le socle sur lequel peuvent se développer les sentiments d’attachement à la patrie et d’identification à la nation. Le discours et l’image sont mobilisés à cette fin.<p>Ces préoccupations interviennent dans le travail des peintres de paysages. Toutefois, le choix d’un site par un paysagiste belge représentant l’environnement national, est d’abord guidé par des critères internes à la pratique picturale. Ses critères de choix rencontrent en effet ceux qu’émet le discours de l’époque définissant les normes de qualité esthétique d’un tableau. L’artiste tend en outre à satisfaire les attentes du public, lequel cherche à combler son envie d’évasion hors de la cité, mais aussi à se rassurer quant à l’harmonie et à la viabilité de la société contemporaine. Les peintres (et donc leur public) manifestent pourtant une faveur particulière envers les sites belges. Ce goût dénote une identification et un attachement au pays habité par la nation historique, telle que la décrit le discours contemporain. Même s’il vient après la satisfaction des critères esthétiques, le critère de l’identification à un site belge intervient de façon notable dans l’attrait exercé par un paysage peint. <p>Il apparaît ainsi que les lieux génériques (agricoles et industriels) passent difficilement le premier crible, esthétique, tandis que les lieux de condensation satisfont tant les attentes esthétiques que les attentes symboliques – qualité qui assure leur succès en tant que motifs picturaux.<p>Les paysagistes élaborent en outre une image paysagère générique de la Belgique qui est une adaptation, conforme aux critères d’appréciation en vigueur dans le champ de la représentation picturale, du paysage générique agricole et industriel défini par le discours contemporain. Leurs œuvres dépeignent en effet la Belgique comme un territoire réalisant les canons pittoresques, comme un environnement verdoyant, boisé, vallonné, peuplé, traversé de rivières, semé d’habitations, de moulins ou autres fabriques anciennes. Dans les années 1840, les paysagistes développent également une nouvelle facette dans ce paysage générique pictural, en représentant les étendues arides, stériles et très peu peuplées, présentes sur le territoire. Cette apparition inaugure une période nouvelle, durant laquelle l’image picturale de la Belgique se dédouble, embrassant, d’une part, les sites prisés durant les premières décennies du siècle et, de l’autre, les plaines de bruyères désertes peu à peu investies d’une valeur identitaire et élevées au rang de configuration générique nationale. / Doctorat en philosophie et lettres, Orientation histoire de l'art et archéologie / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished