Fine artist Stephan Beukes from the Stephan Beukes Collective created a painting for Koe’sister. We asked him to tell us more about his process.
Where did you first hear of Koe’sister?
I have seen the Koe’sister magazine for the first time on shelves at Woolworths.
Tell us about your process for creating the Koe’sister artwork pictured above.
I was inspired by the vibrancy of the Bo-Kaap and my love for the Koe’sister magazine. Although I usually create abstract impressionistic art by use of monotones and adding hints of colour, I have wielded my oil paint and pushed my boundaries in creating this artwork, especially for Koe’sister.
Expressing the Bo-Kaap in rich colour is a constant reminder of the vibrancy of the people, the recipes that were born in the Bo-Kaap, recipes that were improvised feeding big families from the old days, and now in the new age sprucing up those recipes. Through art, food and soul we can unite.
I began my creative process by doing a rough sketch. I use oil mediums which I apply to 100% cotton canvas.
I have used a variety of vibrant colours on my palette that suit the artwork’s mood and have mixed colours to achieve the desired shades and tones to create depth and texture.
I start by creating an underpainting by applying base colours on which I then gradually build up layers of colour, adding details and adjusting as needed.
When the oil paint is dry, I analyse the artwork to see if any adjustment is needed. When I am happy with the outcome, I just add my name.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming more and more prevalent. What are your views on the impact on the art world and creative industries AI may have?
The impact of AI on the art world and creative industries is multifaceted, and its influence is both exciting and challenging.
AI provides artists with tools which enable them to experiment with new concepts and ideas, making the impossible possible. I am of the opinion that AI is not something to be afraid of but rather something to explore and see how its boundaries can be pushed.
AI will never replace the human train of thought because you can’t put genuine human emotion into a machine. AI tools can assist artists in performing certain automotive routine tasks, generating music or correcting colour. Traditional methods of doing art and AI both have a place in our society if we take the time to set out rules and guidelines to regulate AI's boundaries.
When art is produced with AI tools it often leaves artists with legal questions such as copyright infringement and authenticity. If we have rules and guidelines regulating these concerns, we as artists will have more clarity for the time being. We should find a balance between AI and human creative expression for AI’s impact on the art world and creative industries is complex.
Tell us about any future plans you’re working on.
Situated in Cape Town, my artwork is on display at Walker Bay Modern Art in Hermanus and online. As an artist, I’m always looking for galleries that resonate with my art.
I am currently working on new art pieces which will soon be available for viewing.
I also believe in collaborating and co-creating, so be sure to keep an eye out for me.
“Making the unknown seen”-Stephan Beukes
If you want to be inspired by my art you can visit the Walker Bay Modern Art Gallery in Hermanus or follow me on Instagram over at stephan_beukes_collective
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