Frans Smit, a South African-based artist, has made a significant impact on the art world with his distinctive portraits and still-life paintings. With close to fifty international exhibitions under his belt spanning from Denmark to New York, Smit has amassed a dedicated following of collectors who appreciate his unique style. Working primarily with oils, his deeply layered artworks draw inspiration from traditional European portraiture and still-life paintings. However, Smit adds a contemporary, and sometimes absurd twist to these classical masterpieces. His work invites viewers to discard their preconceived notions of classic portraiture and classic oil paintings, immersing the viewer in Smit’s own visual environment.

The artist approaches compositions with an intense focus, resulting in deeply visceral works. Bold brushstrokes, multiple layers of paint, surprising colour palettes, and deliberate adjustments to traditional refinements, such as facial features, Smit challenges the narrative of historical portraiture and figurative expression.

Smit’s paintings captivate and pull in the viewer with rich tones, textures, and glossy oils – adding a sense of drama and unease to the canvas. His exploration of the freedom found in abstract expressionism, combined with his reverence for historical art, results in a perfect marriage of the two. Through his distinctive approach, Smit disrupts conventions and invites viewers to experience art in a new and thought-provoking way.

Country • South Africa
Medium • Oil on canvas
First exhibition with christopher moller gallery •2022

Explore his Work

Previous exhibitions by Frans Smit