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Sunday, April 8, 2012

DEATH OF GUSTAV KALTENBRUN

artSMart is saddened to note the passing of artist Gustav (Jack) Kaltenbrun.

“Jack was an old friend from many years back when I used to produce the D’ARTS magazine for Durban Arts Association,” says Caroline Smart, artSMart editor. “Jack was unfailingly supportive of the magazine as a regular advertiser.

“At the last National Arts Festival in Grahamstown (2011), I dropped in to see his exhibition which comprised paintings and metalwork inspired by the shamanic method of meditation and metaphorical thinking. The exhibition was dedicated to the shamans of the Free State who enabled Jack to work among them for many years and gain some insight into their unique creative power. I wrote at the time that while the paintings were spiritual and moving, Jack’s metalwork would always be the drawcard for me and there were some simply beautiful pieces on exhibition.”

A retired art lecturer, Jack Kaltenbrun exhibited widely and his work often included satirical sketches of important people.

He passed away on March 18, shortly after his 84th birthday. He leaves behind his wife Pat, daughter Dirga and her husband Peter and son Gustav and his wife Paola as well as his grandchildren. Suggest contributions to cancer research.