Praying Figure

 We are pleased to present Running the Rule: Works on Paper from the Walter Battiss Estate, including Prints from Rorke’s Drift. Born in 1906 in the small Karoo town of Somerset East, Walter Battiss is one of South Africa’s most important artists. He was a master printmaker, draughtsman and watercolourist, and was also a dedicated educator, archaeologist and art critic. Battiss is perhaps most celebrated for his visionary Fook Island project, which he developed in the 1970s. Within this Fook universe, Battiss’ inventive spirit saw him create an imaginary civilisation with its own history, geography, language and values. 

Notably, lots 29 and 36 are Walter Battiss' own works, rendered in the artist’s signature abstract style. Lot 19 by Katrine Harries and lot 39 by Enslin du Plessis express Battiss’ interest in collecting works from contemporaries he admired. Also on offer are prints by Michael Costello, whom Battiss frequently exhibited alongside; Dennis Press, whom he travelled with through the Arizona Desert; and his acquaintances Chris Spies, Tom Phillips and Gerrit Hilhorst. Together, these works speak to Battiss' unique output, the artistic circles he was part of and the creative partnerships he nurtured throughout his career.

The sale also includes prints Walter Battiss collected from students who trained at the Evangelical Lutheran Church Art and Craft Centre at Rorke’s Drift. Alongside acting as a mentor and external moderator at Rorke's Drift, Battiss also served on the Art and Craft Centre’s board in the early 1970s. Presented here are woodcuts, linocuts and a screenprint by the likes of Ephraim Ziqubu, John Muafengejo, Caiphas Nxumalo and Azaria Mbatha that reflect the distinct figurative and narrative style Rorke's Drift printmakers are known for. These works call to mind Battiss’ commitment to supporting a younger generation of artists and his influential teaching career that spanned close to four decades.