Sunshine from Portchie’s paintbrush

A third new, a third old and a third experimental.

This is how famous South African artist, Portchie, delivered one of his biggest annual exhibitions on 30 October at Alice Art Gallery in Ruimsig.

“The lines and dots on some of my pallets are some of the new works,” Portchie said.

The exhibition, Sunshine from a paintbrush, titled after a painting of the same name, is Portchie’s umpteenth solo exhibition at the gallery. He took three months to prepare the 120 artworks and more of his bronze sculptures, which are derived from figures in his paintings.

Portchie, whose real name is Jan Hendrik Viljoen, exhibited 120 artworks and for the first time, revealed a collection of handbags with his designs.

Like the handbags, the artist’s designs can be found on a range of materials including pillowcases.

“[They are] made in India by women who are supported by an organisation which supports people who are HIV positive,” he explained. Through this, Portchie aims to create work opportunities within his art.

Portchie, a name he received in school, was born in 1963 in a small town called Tweeling in the Free State.

“I grew up with parents who were creative with what they did in their lives. That taught me to look out, not just for myself, but for the people around me. To create work, to create interesting things and be creative in a lot of different ways. Not just one single aspect; not just painting, not just sculptures, not just cloth or jewellery,” he said.

Portchie has sold more than 16 000 original artworks and more than 700 000 prints.

The exhibition in Ruimsig showcased colourful pieces with countryside scenes and scenes from the artist’s childhood. Landscapes depicting children’s games, musicians and grape pickers are painted in vibrant colours. A few paintings from Portchie’s home collection hung on the walls of the gallery.

“Stay fresh and original and just make art. Do not undervalue your art and be patient. Success does not come overnight.”