Battiss was a founding member of the influential art movement known as the New Group, which aimed to break away from traditional European artistic conventions and explore uniquely South African identities and experiences. His bold use of colour, intricate patterns, and imaginative compositions set him apart and earned him international recognition.
Battiss is considered to be South Africa’s best water colour painter to this day. He spent time with Pablo Picasso when he lived in Paris and even represented South Africa at La Bienalle di Venezia (otherwise known as the “World Cup of Art”) in 1950.
His painting Father and Son in the Rocks, which used elements he saw in Rock Art, was so controversial at the time that it was discussed in parliament. It is now on show at the museum.
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