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Hannes HARRS (1927-2006)

Hannes Harrs is renowned in South Africa and Europe for his talents as a sculptor, painter and graphic artist. Although his origins are clearly European, he has been inspired by the rhythms of Africa. Harrs was born in 1927 in Eckernforde, Germany. His passionate involvement with Africa dates back to his childhood, when an uncle, a ship's captain, brought him artifacts from the continent. He became so interested with them that it led to an obsession that brought him to Africa in 1950. Harrs' love for Africa, its people and culture is a focus for his work.

His respect for, and empathy with African culture is evident in the way he successfully transforms traditional imagery, yet his art is bound neither to time nor place. Unlike many artists who prefer to stick to safe and successful formulae, Harrs has the courage to venture into new realms. Harr's work demonstrates how technical precision and creative vision are successfully united. It also reinforces Harrs' refusal to be complacent with success. He refines, integrates and consolidated his past in order to break aesthetic boundaries. Harrs works in almost every medium including oils, graphics, sculpture and mixed media. He is represented by many galleries and museums in South Africa and beyond.

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