The Jack Lugg Art Gallery cc has published an immense work on the life
of revered South African artist and educator Jack Lugg entitled The House That Jack Built. The foreword
is written by Norman Catherine who studied under Jack Lugg for his only formal
art training. Catherine is recognised as one of South Africa’s leading
contemporary artists. His work is included in most South African art museums
and corporate collections as well as in MOMA (the museum of Modern Art) and the
Brooklyn Museum in New York.
The House that Jack
Built
is a magnificent and highly informative biography of Jack Lugg. This
substantial and entertaining art book is unique in many ways. It is a touching
tribute to a man who made an enormous impact on many lives. It is a valuable
historical record of seven decades of exceptional art production by a seminal
South African artist in a changing international landscape. It is an inspiring
record of the versatile career of an artist and educator. Above all, it is the
fascinating life story of a man with formidable talent, extraordinary tenacity,
creativity, and captivating wit.” by Sandy Shoolman (Excerpt, Art Times, Dec
2017/Jan 2018 Edition, p.18)
Jack Lugg – for many, the name brings back memories of their dynamic art
master and mentor who was the Head of the East London Technical College Art
School for 35 years. Others are reminded of the art they own by this devoted
and passionate artist. In Jack’s own words, “Art is almost like a religion for
me. I’m merely the vehicle through which this strong spirit drives.”
Jack and his wife, Rosemary, have left a legacy of more than seven
decades of extraordinary art production. Initially, the Jack Lugg Art Gallery
thrived in Knysna for 18 years. Thereafter, it continued to run in Plettenberg
Bay through the gallery website and studio appointments until Jack’s passing a
few months short of 90 years old. Now run by his children, the Jack Lugg Art
Gallery sells artworks through the website and arranges private viewings by
appointment in Port Elizabeth. The works on show range from Lugg’s teens in
Pretoria where he studied under Walter Battiss, to his service in World War II,
through his studies in Durban where he won the Emma Smith scholarship, to
Camberwell, London and Ecole des Beaux Arts, Paris, where he studied under
Matisse.
The subject matter reveals Lugg’s deep connection with the landscape,
animals, and people of Africa. Lugg held his first exhibition at 17 years old
and continued to exhibit in many solo and group exhibitions throughout his
expansive career. His art can be found in significant public and private art
collections around the world.
Whether you know of Jack Lugg and his art or not, the story and artwork
within the pages of The House that Jack
Built will inspire you.
“Inevitably Jack’s genius and love for art and humanity like a diamond
in the rough cannot escape the attention of real art lovers everywhere, and
should be cherished and enjoyed. Every time one opens Jack’s book - one is
seduced by a great sense of love, colour, adventure and music!” Gabriel
Clark-Brown, Art Times Editor (Excerpt, Art Times, Feb 2018 Edition, p.122)
The House That Jack
Built
is published in hardcover (312 pages) by Jack Lugg Art Gallery cc Price R1500.00.
ISBN: 978-0-620-76456-8
For more information visit http://www.jackluggartgallery.co.za/images/jack-lugg-the-artist.jpgJACK
LUGG
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