By Waaqiah Jaffer
Picture supplied
Eugene Junior Oliphant, a 26-year-old visual artist from Roodepan, Kimberley, recently returned from London after exhibiting his artwork at the “Its Liquid Group” exhibition.
“I was raised by my aunt, Thelma Verkoper, whom I consider as “mom” because my mother, Drucilla Oliphant, passed away when I was five years old”, said Oliphant.
He matriculated from Pescodia High School in 2014 and is currently doing a course in graphic design. He perceives himself as a visual artist, yet his work encompasses photography, art and tattooing.
The inclusion of the Khoisan culture can identify his work and falls under his series titled “Children of the SAN”.
He discovered his talent in grade 3. As a young boy, he was under the impression that no one in his family was artistic, but to his surprise, he shared talent with his uncle, Christo Stevens. “I saw my uncle draw the most beautiful art pieces in a room that he always kept locked so that no one could disturb him when completing these pieces”. Since then, He draws inspiration from Stevens and Jono Dry, a Capetonian hyper-realism visual artist.
Receiving an invitation from “Its Liquid Group” was an “outstanding achievement,” according to Oliphant. To his dismay, he needed funding to attend this exhibition. He raised the money by exhibiting his art at the Northern Cape Theatre, the Office of The Premier purchased one of his artworks and received funds from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
Oliphant said he was overwhelmed by the amount of support he received in London, “my presence and art were appreciated”. He received an invitation to collaborate from peers and took the opportunity to approach a few museums that requested him to compile a portfolio of his work.
In pursuing his passion, Oliphant has submitted his work to ABSA L’atalier and Sasol, New Signatures. His next exhibition will be at Monster Mob on the 29th of July, where he will do a live performance mural.
He intends to offer workshops to grade 8 and 9 learners interested in art. His biggest dream is to win a Pulitzer Prize and open his gallery. He advises upcoming artists to stay focused and eliminate distractions.
“Its Liquid Group” was impressed with his work and extended another invitation to exhibit his art in Rome.
The artist still needs funds. He appeals to the public for donations to be deposited into EK Oliphant, Capitec Cheque account Number 2046144623 or contact him directly on 0656522716 or email at junioroliphant0@gmail.com.
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