By Saul Molobi
The Intimate Art Encounter, hosted in a classy house in the exclusive suburb of Westcliff, Johannesburg, was an evening dedicated to celebrating the artworks and books of Frank Horley, a renowned Joburg artist.
Born in Kenya, Frank is both an illustrator and a writer. He took ten intimate diners down his memory lane through his journey from Kenya, highlighting his extensive career.
Frank’s first illustrations were for the initial edition of Okot p’Bitek’s widely-acclaimed Song of Lawino and Song of Ocol. Song of Lawino was first published in 1966 by the East African Publishing House, followed by Song of Ocol. Both works were published together in 1967 and reprinted four times before being published by Heinemann Publishers in the world-acclaimed African Writers Series (AWS) in 1984. Several editions are currently available without Frank’s illustrations, including an edition issued by Waveland Press in 2013.
In 1971, Courtier Fine Art in London published a limited edition of S. T. Coleridge’s masterpiece The Rime of the Ancient Mariner with Frank’s illustrations and calligraphy. This edition, originally conceived in full colour including gold and silver, soon sold out and became a collector’s item. Four full-colour sets were completed, one of which included calligraphy.
Frank has repeatedly written and illustrated Kijana, a work first published by the Graphic Club of South Africa in Johannesburg in 1974, issued as a limited edition of 250 portfolios silk-screened by Fred Schimmel. In 2021, following the COVID-19 pandemic, Frank produced a new version of Kijana, consisting of two editions with the same text but different sets of illustrations, binding both editions himself and limiting each to 49 copies.
“Frank Horley’s art is low-key in line and colour but charged with emotion and imagery. He is an artist-poet whose art has freshness and great luminosity,” wrote Dennis Godfrey in The Star in 1974. Similarly, Raeford Daniel of the Rand Daily Mail in 1974 described Frank’s stories as allegorical, reflecting a concern about the gradual disappearance of primitive Africa, with superbly executed illustrations.
Following the publication of Kijana, Frank was commissioned by a prominent family to paint a mural depicting J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings in their Johannesburg bathroom. This only painting of Frank’s, completed in 1979, shows his insight into Tolkien’s imaginary world using conventions from medieval manuscripts combined with his own African motifs.
In 1980, The Story of Christmas was published by the Brenthurst Press, resulting from a collaboration between Frank and the children of the Montessori Pre-school in Johannesburg. This book was displayed at the International Exhibition of Children’s Books in Vienna in 1982.
In 2000, Frank published An African Alphabet, a collection of four interlinked alphabets that combine text and illustrations referencing several African languages. Described as a love poem to the continent, this work invites readers to reflect on the world and become creative through language.
Frank’s 2008 publication A Small Garden juxtaposes original drawings of flora and fauna with contemporary newspaper headlines, set between an adaptation of the origin myth from the book of Genesis.
Frank’s exhibitions include five solo shows and four group shows across various galleries and museums, showcasing his diverse artistic range.
The Intimate Art Encounter was opened with a soul-caressing original composition by Karabo Ricks, a fourth-year drama student at the University of Witwatersrand. The evening’s sumptuous three-course dinner was prepared by a celebrity master chef, Sbu.
Each placemat at the event featured a covered artwork by Frank Horley from one of his books, providing a personalized touch to the dining experience. Diners were invited to interpret what the randomly allocated art piece meant to them personally, sparking meaningful and introspective discussions. Bongani Mamba, the curator, was so moved by his allocated piece that he spontaneously composed a poem, eloquently expressing his emotional connection to the artwork. Following each diner’s interpretation, Frank Horley shared the creative process and inspiration behind each piece, offering a deeper understanding and appreciation of his work.
The event also showcased Frank’s artworks and books, which were available for purchase. This presentation served as a significant motivator for attendees to invest in both the original artwork and the book in which it appeared, further enriching their art collections.
Joyce Mushi, the brand owner of Misty Valley Reserve, generously sponsored the event by providing bottles of her exquisite wine, enhancing the elegant atmosphere of the evening. This thoughtful integration of art, personal reflection, and refined dining created an unforgettable experience that highlighted the profound connection between art and life.
Lohini Moodley, the principal host of the event, elaborated on the essence of the Intimate Art Encounters series, saying: “These events are designed to create a unique space where artists, art lovers, and collectors can engage in profound discussions about the artwork. We aim to emphasise that art collection is not merely about owning pieces but recognising it as a significant investment opportunity. Through these series, we communicate to our stakeholders the enduring value and potential returns of art investments. Beyond the business networking; it’s about fostering genuine connections, understanding the stories behind each piece, and building a community that truly appreciates and supports the arts.”
