Idalet Pauw

by Eve Hemming

Idalet Pauw, I discover, is Kwa Zulu Natal (South Africa) born and bred. The rhythm of African drums made an impact on her as a child, as did the flamboyancy of the African lifestyle, with its combination of traditional Zulu dancing, intricate regalia and African beadwork. This inspiration set against the lush Zululand landscape where undulating hills, sugar cane farms and the Indian Ocean, formed the backdrop to her colourful canvas.

Pauw’s schooling in Durban offered an additional dimension to the early influences which made a lasting impact on her. These included the vibrant textures and colours of sari materials, as well as the architectural interiors of Indian buildings.

After being awarded a scholarship, Pauw studied Fine Art at Pretoria University, thereafter pursuing her studies through UNISA.

It’s not every day that KZN produces an artist who has international sell-out exhibitions. Her client base includes buyers from USA, Europe, Turkey, Egypt and as far afield as Russia. Pauw’s brochure highlights her story, stating that she ‘…has developed a style that encapsulates the mystic cultures of the African continent in flowing form and radiant colour.’ Pauw produces large canvasses using acrylic paint with oil glazes and wax finishes.

Pauw describes her work as playful, decorative and vibrant. It exudes her passion and her enthusiasm for her homeland and the weave of various cultural influences are unmistakable. Her work reveals a spiritual connectedness to the rich diversity of the South African spirit, while simultaneously influences of artists such as Klimt, Gauguin, Matisse, combined with Mexican and Raphaelite artists are evident.

Idalet was invited to exhibit her work in many cities in Europe. In the past five years she had exhibitions in Köln, Frankfurt, Berlin, München, Hamburg, Düsseldorf and Paris.

Her work has been published in newspapers, magazines and Interior Decorating Books. She was interviewed for TV programmes in South Africa and Germany.

Her work has been purchased by hotel groups, large decorating firms and private collectors all over the world, including Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, Ibiza, America, England, Luxembourg, Egypt, Turkey, Russia and Spain.

She has also been invited to exhibit in the following countries by different companies:

1. Travco Group, Iberotel, Travcotels, Solymar, Travco Air. Hamed El Chiary (CEO) Zamalek 11211, Cairo Egypt and Dr Mohsen Noir, Egypt.

2. FIFA World Cup Soccer, Germany. Detlef Heineman, DHC Consult, An der trinkhalle ZA, D-65812 Bad Soden.

3. RTL – German Television Company for an exhibition at the International Aids Gala in Hamburg.

4. Lambert Design, Germany.

Rosenthal AG requested her designs for reproduction on their porcelain.

Large decorating companies and hotels invited her for solo exhibitions in Jordan, Bremen, Ibiza, Luxembourg and Köln.

Idalet died tragically and unexpectedly on 7 June 2007, due to a pulmonary embolism. She left behind her 15 year old son, Bertoldt Pauw. Her legacy lives on through her prolific works, vibrancy, colour and fantastically ebullient style.

To view more of Idalet Pauw's masterpieces and/or to order any of her art work, kindly contact Idalet's sister at erica@artwork4sale.co.nz

IDALET'S EFFERVESCENT SMILE LIVES ON.