Jonker works and exhibits
prolifically. He is a regular at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival,
where he has exhibited his own work together with other contemporary artists.
He has also exhibited throughout the rest of South Africa in galleries
and at festivals. From 2004, Jonker embarked on a full time career as
an artist, focusing on oil painting. From here he has established a cohesive
body of oil paintings in various genres, and has also produced some very
fine smaller bronze sculptures. His oil paintings include landscapes,
portraits and still lifes. In all of these, the compositions reflect the
artist's intuitive choice of subject matter, bringing to life quirky and
sometimes idiosyncratic scenes. He is equally at home within the landscape
of a human body, or the jovial reflection of light in everyday colloquial
objects, or the expanse of a traditional landscape.
In his landscape paintings, Jonker chooses
to paint "plein air". The paint-bag always at hand, landscape
studies are made on the hoof. From here he is able to transpose natural
tone, form and light with assured technique, capturing the soul, spirit
and atmosphere of his native land.
1971
Born and grew up on a farm in the district of Oudtshoorn, South Africa.
1988
Matriculated from Oudtshoorn High School with a distinction in art.
1991
Received the most promising student award from Foundation Art School,
Cape Town.
1993
Graduated with distinctions in painting and sculpture from Technikon
Natal, Durban.
1994
While experiencing a decade-long career in the exportation of ostrich
products with high-level exposure to international trade, Jonker curated
and facilitated annual exhibitions of other artists at the Klein Karoo
National Kunstefees.
2001
Returned to practicing art while following a varied career path
including versatile exports, film production, and artisan bread making.
2004
Focused on a full time career in art with oil painting as central
occupation, while maintaining certain social and environmental obligations.
2005
A year of consolidation resulting in a cohesive body of oil paintings
in various genres.
2006
“Twee Skilders” exhibition of paintings with Joshua
Miles at KKNK; and facilitated an own initiative that explored the art
market through a panel discussion of six leading gallerists, curators,
and art dealers, also at KKNK Oudtshoorn.
2014
Threshold, annual Winter Solstice Exhibition, The Cape Gallery
2015
Natural Affinities, group exhibition, The Cape Gallery
2017
Dream now, dream not, the annual Winter Solstice Exhibition, The Cape Gallery
Jonker is married with two children and is a full-time artist. |