Tatham Art Gallery

In the Orlando train

1940/41, oil on canvas

Gerard Sekoto (1913-1993)

by Val Woodley

This oil painting could be called A Study in Browns. It depicts three men in the dark interior of a railway coach painted in various shades of brown with black outlines on hats, jackets and windows; powerful brush strokes; pleasing composition.

The figures, shown from waist upwards, are huddled together, two on one seat facing the third who is bent over a newspaper. Their attitude is intense. Does World War 2 news absorb them or perhaps local incidents affecting their lives in the early 40s? A relief from the sombre tones is shown in the light reflecting on the blue of one man's shirt at centre and the warm tan colour of a lapel at right front. Sekoto, a self-taught Pedi artist, was born at a mission station near Middelburg, Transvaal. He trained as a teacher but after a few years became a professional artist. He painted in oils and his subjects centred around "the urban life of his people.....working on a social theme"*, in a unique style of rounded brush strokes.

By the 1940s the New Group had been formed in Cape Town to forge a link between contemporary South African artists. Many well-known artists of that time were members, including Sekoto. By the late forties he was studying art in Paris and was absorbed into Parisian life.

*From: South African Art - Tate Art Gallery Catalogue 1948/49

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