I have known and represented Herman Pekel for well over 30 years, so you might imagine there is little left for me to discover. I’m not so sure.
Over those years I have watched countless paintings arrive at Red Hill Gallery, seen exhibitions embraced by collectors and watched people stand before a Pekel and immediately recognise that extraordinary light and atmosphere.
But there is another side to Herman that doesn't appear in a biography — his humour, his instinct and that apparently effortless ability to see a painting where the rest of us might simply see a landscape, a river or an approaching storm.
Years ago, we asked Herman to describe his art in one sentence. His answer was simply: “Disorganised.”
I suspect there is considerably more method in the madness. This Thursday, rather than simply talking about Herman and his achievements, I want to talk with him — about what he sees, what still excites him and, after a lifetime of painting, what he is still searching for.
And then, of course, we'll put a brush in his hand.
