Prof J van Zyl

A portrait dated 2001 of Prof. J van Zyl by the South African artist, Frikkie Eksteen (b.1973). Professor Johan van Zyl (b. 1956) was the tenth Principal of the University of Pretoria and his tenure stretched between 1997 and 2001. The official collecting of portraits and the foundation of the Collection began on 9 September 1974. Prof A.N. Pelzer suggested that the University commence a collection of portraits of previous Chancellors, Chairs of the Council and Principals. Between 1974 and 2010, the line-up of former Principals and Chancellors were completed. This tradition is still ongoing with new appointments of Chancellors at the University of Pretoria. This painting was commissioned by the University of Pretoria in 2001. Short biography: Frederik (Frikkie) Eksteen was born in 1973 in Pretoria and completed his BA Fine Arts degree in 1995 and his Masters in 2000, both at the University of Pretoria. Eksteen has exhibited both locally and internationally and won several awards including the Judges’ Prize in the Sasol New Signatures competition. The artist is inspired by the interface between digital technology and traditional oil painting, Eksteen’s art is visually complex and conceptually layered, often referencing art history, while simultaneously harnessing new technology. His work is represented in several collections, including that of the Pretoria Art Museum, University of Pretoria, UNISA, Sasol, ABSA and MTN. Eksteen is also a part-time guest lecturer in the University of Pretoria’s Department of Visual Arts.