THE well-known Paarl artist, Selwin Pekeur, is one of 160 leading contemporary artists from the 32 nations participating in the FIFA World Cup tournament chosen to create a piece of artwork for the FIFA World Cup.
The exhibition 2010 Fine Art is a visual celebration of the world’s most-watched sporting event and is inspired by the return of the world to Africa.
It is the first time in the 80-year history of the FIFA World Cup that fine art on this scale has been recognised as Official Licensed Products by FIFA – another proudly South African first for 2010.
According to Pekeur the 2010 Fine Art team was visiting Diemersfontein Wine Estate when they saw his work.
“They liked my style enough to invite me to join the project.”
At first Pekeur had doubts about doing the painting because it was shortly after his son had died in a car accident, but he decided to pull through and complete the work.
“This is a really big opportunity for South African artists like myself and it is a great thing that this company has found a way to use the World Cup to benefit African art and artists.”
The exhibition, in the form of signed posters of the paintings, was launched at Cavendish Square in Cape Town on Tuesday and will be on view until the end of June. The other South African artists on show are Clint Strydom, Keith Calder, Gavin Rain, Esther Mahlangu, Barbara Loretta Ploner, Ian van Zyl and Dennis Guichard.
