“I am interested in making large-scale paintings that can be used in public places with imagery that is totally accessible to everyone.”

Paul Grendon was born in Cape Town, in the Western Cape. He received a Diploma in Fine Art from the Michaelis School of Fine Art at the University of Cape Town in 1982.

After leaving UCT, Grendon became a member of Afrapix and later worked as a freelance photographer and exhibition curator.

His mural ons vir jou, suid afrika, is in reference to the national anthem Die Stem, and mimics Mexican muralists from the 20’s in the representation of the history of an oppressive and divided South Africa. It depicts South African history from the arrival of the first ships, through the Great Trek, to the exploitation of land and mineral resources.

Exhibitions:

Painting in South African National Gallery permanent collection.

“Ons Land, Maar nie ons Land nie” touring exhibition.

1985, “Art for peace”, Cape Town.

1986, “South Africa in conflict”.

1986, “Towards a Peoples Culture Festival”.

1987, “Children on the Frontline”, Harare.

1996 “Ikapa Festival”, Cape Town.

1994, 'A Shifting Landscape', The Photo International, Rotterdam/ Amsterdam, Holland 'Ons land, Maar nie ons land nie'. This exhibition toured national community centres.

References

• Sue Williamson. (1989). Resistance and Art in South Africa. Cape Town: David Philip.
• “Struggle Photography” [online] Available at: answers.com [Accessed 20 April 2009]
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