Alexis Preller: A Visual Biography
by Esmé Berman and Karel Nel

This two volume publication fills a vacuum in which the major South African artist Alexis Preller (1911 - 1975) only had one small book, published in 1947, devoted to his art.

Written by distinguished art historian, Esmé Berman, author of Art & Artists of South Africa and a personal friend of Preller, this is a defining account of his life and work, with illustrations and an accompanying text that trace the evolution of Preller's fascinating, enigmatic iconography.

The author worked in close collaboration with artist and university Professor, Karel Nel, who brought an exceptional sense of design to the publication, as well as his rare understanding of traditional African culture, to identify and explain the artefacts and symbols prevalent in Preller’s paintings.

The Biography is launched to coincide with a definitive survey exhibition: ALEXIS PRELLER: Africa, the Sun and Shadows at the Standard Bank Gallery, Johannesburg, 13 October – 5 December, 2009. www.standardbankgallery.co.za