OBIE Oberholzer’s iconic pictures of South Africa’s hauntingly beautiful, evocative landscapes and vibrant people have moved the BBC’s John Simpson to describe him as the “master painter” of our country.
The acclaimed journalist believes that photography is the true modern South African art form, “as it is in America,” and that only the camera can do justice to our faces and our unforgettable country.
Simpson penned these words in the latest book by Obie, as he’s known to everyone, in which he focuses his lens on our ancient, prehistoric Karoo landmass.
Simpson also calls him our “poet laureate” and whereas he doesn’t mean that literally, the photographer does indeed write powerfully — and amusingly — in Karoo: Long Time Passing.
The eccentric Oberholzer’s sense of humour and sharp wit infuse our conversion.
He sums up photography in one word, “viewpoint”. They call it “perspective” at Wits art school, before explaining why he has at last
Article source: http://www.bdlive.co.za/life/entertainment/2014/01/21/poet-laureate-of-south-africas-landscapes