Alan James Weiss, a South African artist based in Cape Town, is known for his powerful figurative paintings that reflect social and historical themes. His work often explores the resilience and hardships of marginalized groups, with a strong focus on emotional depth and realism. Drawing inspiration from his background in design and architecture, Weiss creates pieces that resonate on both a conceptual and emotional level.
One of his standout works, “Factory” (oil on canvas, 89.5×89.5×4.5 cm), captures a poignant scene of working women in a factory. Using a combination of realism and expressionism, Weiss sheds light on the often-overlooked lives of these women, conveying the challenges they face within industrial settings. The muted tones of the painting reflect the somber reality of their situation, highlighting their strength and resilience amidst adversity. Weiss aims to evoke empathy in the viewer, encouraging reflection on societal dynamics and gender roles in labor contexts.
Weiss, a self-taught artist, began painting in oils at the age of 14, but spent much of his career in architecture and retail design. In 2016, he reignited his passion for painting and has since been focused on building a career as a professional artist. His work spans various subjects, from figurative portraits to wildlife and landscapes, often reflecting his upbringing in Southern Africa.
As a finalist in the category of Painting for the scan.art Emerging Artist Prize 2024, Weiss’s work will be featured at the Finalist Exhibition at Bakerhouse Gallery, Graz, Austria, opening to the public on Friday, October 18th, 18:00. This exhibition will showcase works from 24 exceptional emerging artists from around the world.
For more about Alan James Weiss’s artwork and philosophy, visit his website at www.alanweissartist.com or his Profile on scan.art.
For more information about the scan.art Emerging Artist Prize, visit our website www.scan.art/emergingartistprize
