​Contemporary South African Art

Mathee, De Wet

De Wet (Jakobus Stefanus) Matthee (1979 - )

De Wet was born and grew up in Bethal Mpummalanga, from an early age he showed

a strong aptitude for art.
Both parents being involved in art they encouraged this.

After graduating from school he traveled overseas.
He toured England extensively being inspired by the landscape which was so different to his earlier inspiration the Highveld landscape.
On his return to South Africa he lived and worked in Cape Town for 2 years eventually joining friends in Pretoria.
Here he was keen to study Jewellery Design at Pretoria Technicon.Because of complications this did not happen.
He returned to Mpummalanga where he met the artist Mike Parsons.
Mike saw great potential in his work and offered to encouragement with some classes to refine his talent.
Up till now De Wet was self taught.

His introduction to Ray Rafii of 5th Ave Auctioneers was a turning point in his career.
Ray saw the potential in his work and started to purchase some of his works. This has brought him to his present status were his works sell regularly on auction with collectors actively seeking his paintings.