|
Frank Pretorius is a South African-born contemporary artist based in Pretoria, South Africa. Known for his dynamic approach to painting, drawing and blending representational and abstract elements into a beautiful synergy. Born in the spring of 1974, he grew up surrounded by nature with majestic landscapes, a deep influence that continues to shape his work. As far back as he can remember, drawing has always been a part of the way he interpreted the world around him. This passion led him to study graphic design, fine arts, and later filmmaking, before embarking on a two-decade career in advertising.
Although he never stopped painting and drawing, his professional life placed his fine art ambitions on hold. After moving to the UK, he made the decisive move to pursue painting full-time in 2018. “My career in film and advertising may have been unconventional, but it shaped the way I interpret my subject matter. I focus on the connection between the landscape and the figure and how this form a new narrative—bringing a sense of cinematic storytelling to the canvas,” he explains. Frank is using traditional materials—charcoal and ink on paper, and oil paint on canvas—he captures the fleeting nature of light and its ability to transform figures and landscapes, preserving moments that reflect his personal experiences, memories and dreams of the world we live in. In 2025 he completed his Master of Fine Art at Newcastle University with distinction. His MFA exhibition, Bloedgrond, opened at the Hatton Gallery in August 2025. That year he was awarded the Dogger Bank Purchase Prize, and his painting Bloedgrond was purchased as part of the prize. The series later formed the core of his first solo exhibition in South Africa at De Gallerij, Pierneef’s Kraal, Pretoria, in July 2026 which was sold out on opening night. |
