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Michael SOUTER, 1960

Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe in 1960, Michael Souter moved to South Africa in 1980 to study Fine Art Graphics at Rhodes University, before settling in Cape Town where he has lived since 1984.

Souter is an established designer and illustrator in the Graphic Design industry where he has worked for the past twenty years. He has always realised that this career, although exciting and challenging, does not allow an artist the freedom to exclusively express his own ideas and concepts. Painting and sculpting on the other hand allow for individual expression.

Michael Souter is continuously searching for subject matter that portrays a positive image of life in Africa without being too romantic. The paintings are a study of life as it is. The portraits are of real life, real people.

The focus of his latest works is the South African soccer supporters and the colourful makarabas (hard hats) they wear. The inspiration for his works was drawn from the passion and enthusiasm of the soccer supporters and the unique characteristics of each makaraba. The makarabas are all individually handcrafted. They reflect not only reflect the team colours and logo but also the logos of the corporations who sponsor them.

Souters love for art, his mix of colour and his quick confident brushstrokes continue to evolve. Michael is not content with one style and likes to experiment with different painting techniques to find other ways to express his visions.

source: South African Artists