​Contemporary South African Art

Chris is an Artist with SouthAfricanArtists.com based in South Africa.
The work of some artists does not fit neatly into categories - they combine effects from various styles to build their own unique way of seeing the world, or worlds of their imagination. Symbolism, Romanticism and Surrealism and an intense love of poetry, drama and literature all contribute and define and refine the intensely personal work of this artist. Chris van den Berg was born on the 25 July 1937 in Windhoek, Namibia. He studied Graphic Design at Michaelis Art School, UCT in Cape Town. After a successful start to a painting career, he started working in the theatre as a décor and costume designer (for the previous Performing Arts Councils and commercial companies) in opera, ballet and drama, finally as resident designer for P.A.C.T Drama. A few years ago he once again returned to his first love of painting in oils, acrylics and gouache. It is an overdue return.
Quotes from critics - "Impeccable drawing is the most forceful characteristic, and the wonder of these intricate modern tapestries is that the artist never falters, much less loses track of what he is doing."
"Van den Berg's work has much in it to explore and discover: it would be very difficult to grow tired of these paintings since their complexity precludes immediate absorption of all that is in them."
"The technical finish, drawing prowess, and breadth of imaginative vision, leave one awed by the combination of working industry and artistic sensitivity...Van den Berg shines like a rare and brightly plumaged bird, like a Rousseau archetype…There is a hint of decadence, again in the literary sense, gleaming among the ordered feathers. And the quality to me at any rate, is refreshing among the cool stereotypes which are now fashionable."
The artist will work on commission and though some of the works shown are on board/"masonite", all future larger work will be done only on imported canvas in acrylic or oil, or in the case of drawings on art paper of the highest quality. The canvasses can be rolled and freighted to the client, (prices do not include freighting or delivery) to frame on arrival ensuring the client receives a unique work of art.
The works illustrated on these pages serve to show the style and diversity of the artist - you can commission your own unique painting on the subject of your choice.