The
captivating paintings of Frans Smit reimagine the Old Masters and bring them back to life by
boldly contrasting them with modern techniques. This carefully balanced meeting
of current and traditional media on the canvas allows him to formulate a new visual language that reaches both into the past and the future.
The South
African born painter started out by studying science, then became a photographer until a friendship with Lucian Freud led him to painting.
We
interviewed the artist to learn more about his journey and his work.
INTERVIEW WITH THE ARTIST
Q. Did you always want to be an artist?
A. When I was younger, I was very interested in science. I went to University and studied science for two years. I then realized I rather wanted to study a more creative field.
So I ended up
studying photography. I’ve
always been fascinated by art shops; looking at the paints and feeling the
brushes. After my studies, I moved to London for a few years. There I befriended
Lucian Freud - he was my main reason for becoming an artist.
Q. What drew you
to the Old Masters?
A. I was in London
in 2016 as part of a group of South Africans taking part in an
exhibition at Tanya Baxter Gallery. One day, I went around
London visiting galleries and it was there that I saw the work of the Miaz brothers. It was just so inspiring. I thought that’s brilliant: to use Old Masters as a
reference, the options are endless!
Q. Does your
background as a photographer influence your work?
A. Yes definitely,
It helps me understand light. Light is such an important aspect of painting. It also helps
me to take my photographs which I can reference in my work and use to document it.
Q. How did you
arrive at your signature hybrid of current and past art movements?
A. I think I just
tried to do something different and fresh. Whenever I get the chance to travel,
I first visit all the galleries and hang out with the masters. I do love to
paint realistically, but the abstract always pushes through. I thought it would be great to express this by combining realism and abstract techniques in my art pieces.
I think the main objective of art is to move the viewer, whether in a good or bad way. We all know what we like. The art needs to speak to the viewer.
Q. What would you like your work to evoke in the viewer?
A. Probably to be uncomfortable. I’ve had someone tell me once that I don’t like women, because of a disrupted portrait.
Q. What other
creatives inspire you?
A. My favorite
artists are Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon, and Frank Auerbach, so you can see
where the distortion of the portrait is coming from. During the
lockdown, I watched the documentary on Julian Schnabel; I found that very
inspiring. While I work I
mostly listen to classical music, I find that calms me down and sets a nice
mood for working.
Q. Could you
describe your work in three words?
A. Bright, colorful, and bright.
