city chaos

FrankRoss

Biography

Frank Ross was born in 1953, in Wellington, South Africa. He completed his Std. 8 certificate from the Paulus Joubert High School in Paarl. Further to his Schooling, he has attended the Ruth Prowse School of Art in Cape Town.

Frank's approach to painting is uncomplicated and direct. In his work, the expressive use of line and strong brushwork amplify his experience. "Colour is important to me." Frank says "Red symbolizes the unhappiness I associate with the land. There is always trouble. People have so many problems with land. Then there is the political trouble." Strong southern sunsets streak the sky.

Frank has an emotive painterly approach: “I sketch the figure roughly and then I paint. As I work it comes together and then I can see what is happening," he explains. "Normally, I see someone walking. I don't know where he is coming from, or how far. Most people have to walk a distance. If they want to do something, they do it. That's what gives me inspiration."

Frank keeps no books on art in his home. He has had almost no formal tuition but has learnt much by mixing in the company of other artists and observing their work in the galleries. Frank was educated at the William Lloyd primary school and the Paulus Joubert High school in Paarl. Pressured by financial difficulties in the home, he had to leave school and work to supplement the family income. He completed the studies for his junior certificate by studying part time classes.

Frank regards his father, Solomon Ross, as a man of strict principles and a role model for his own life. A Springbok and a long distance runner, Solomon trained Frank to run marathons. In 1979, as a member of the Huguenot Harriers, Frank was nominated to receive Western Province colors (insignia awarded for outstanding athletic merit). Unfortunately he could not accept these as his arduous schedule left no time to train. At this time he was working, on a casual basis, as an operator on the floor at 'Food Can', a factory making fish tins and fruit cans. There, over a period of time, he was trained in management skills and promoted to middle management .

He was 'found' by the E'Bezweni Art Group (E.A.G.) in 1996 (The group was established in Paarl in October 1994 by Selwyn Pekeur, in association with Alby Bailey, Solomon Siko, Kerwin Cupido, Dylan Denyssen) Art Groups such as E'Bezweni and the earlier Vakalisa have provided a platform for emerging talent in the so called colored communities. Lacking the means for a formal art education Frank benefited from their meetings and workshops. These were marked by a vigorous climate of experimentation and lively discussion. The group influenced each other in areas such as the use of incised Supa-wood and choice of vibrant palette.

Frank describes his subject in a regular, finely incised line on Supa wood panels, painted in vibrant color. In these mural-like works, the people journey along the roads and toil in the patchwork fields bordered by traceries of trees. The branches of the trees are matted and shaded by vigorous cross-hatching. Little houses punctuate the landscape. The quick dry time of acrylic allows him to paint clear-cut edges, strongly contrasting shades and dense surface texture.

These graphic works contain elements that prevail in the diverse folk cultures of the world. Not only decorative and pleasing to the eye, these artworks once set upon the walls of offices and homes further a sense of communal identity, vesting pride in a people's will to endure and overcome hardship. He also conveys, through these furrowed board paintings, his deep-seated love of the land. In doing so he strikes a common chord of humanity originating from a unique African experience yet speaking quite specifically of the way things are.

Solo Exhibitions:

• 1998 – DC Art Gallery ( Cape Town)
• 2000 – Cape Gallery ( Cape Town)

Group Exhibitions:

• 1998 - Stellenbosch Museum
• 1998 - Bang The Gallery
• 1998 - Cape Gallery
• 1999 – Everard Reed Gallery (Waterfront, Cape Town)
• 1999 – Atlantic Gallery ( Cape Town)
• 1999 - Africa Gallery ( Durban)
• 1999 – Africa Gallery (Paarl)
• 1999 – Cape Gallery ( Cape Town)
• 2000 – Cape Gallery ( Cape Town)
• 2001 – Cape Gallery
• 2001 – Gallery 909
• 2001 – Bay Art Gallery
• 2001 - In-fin-art
• 2001 – Carmel Art
• 2001 – Heather Auer Fine Art
• 2002 – In-Fin-Art
• 2002 – Stellenbosch Art Gallery
• 2002 – Bay Art Gallery Kalk Bay
• 2002 – Franschoek Art House
• 2002 – Gallery 909
• 2002 – Cape Gallery
• 2002 – Carmel Art Claremont
• 2002 – Heather Auer Fine Art
• 2002 – Hout Bay Gallery
• 2003 – 2008 - Frank Ross exhibits with most galleries around the Western Cape