The Benoni art community is mourning the loss of well-known Farrarmere resident and respected artist Paul Botes (85), who passed away on January 20 after spending more than a month in hospital following a bladder infection.

Botes was a former chairperson of the Benoni Art Society, a founding member of the Benoni Art Route, and an active member of Artists Working Together (AWT), a collective of East Rand artists collaborating to promote their work.

Speaking to the Benoni City Times, his wife, Gusta, described this as a very difficult time for the family but said she found comfort in knowing that her husband’s final days were peaceful.

“He had a good life, and he was known and loved by everyone,” she said.

Born in Bellville in 1940, Botes completed his primary and high school education there and matriculated in 1957. He married Gusta in 1968, and the couple was blessed with four children: Tinus and Paul Botes, Ronel Ritchi, and Magda Wood.

Before entering the art sector, Botes worked in the insurance industry for 10 years before moving into the building industry in 1969.

While working, he studied commercial art and production management part-time and obtained diplomas in both fields. After retiring from the building industry, he dedicated himself to art full-time.

With a career spanning more than 50 years, Botes began by participating in group exhibitions and went on to exhibit widely.

In a 2017 interview with the City Times, he explained that his motivation for becoming involved in the Benoni Art Route was to promote and encourage creativity within the community.

“I wanted to promote and encourage all creative people in the community to pursue their artistic talent,” he said at the time.

His full-time art career saw him participate in major group exhibitions, showcase his work in several galleries, and supply private collectors.

He also conducted workshops in all of South Africa’s provinces and later focused on teaching closer to home, offering art classes and monthly workshops.

Among his notable achievements were receiving the Greater Benoni Mayoral Achievers’ Award for art development in 1999 and a citation of honour for art in 2007. In 1981, he held a one-man exhibition depicting Benoni street scenes and the environment when the town celebrated its 75th anniversary. His work was also published in the book Benoni Yesteryears by Glynis Cox-Millet-Clay.

Also Read: A brush with local artists: meet Paul Botes

Gusta described her husband as deeply passionate about art and teaching.
“He always saw something beautiful around him. He saw beauty in nature and painted that reality. He also had a passion for teaching people art,” she said.

Recalling a cherished memory, Gusta said Botes painted five artworks to raise money for their honeymoon.

“He took four of the paintings to work and sold them, and one is still hanging in our passage at home. That was a very special moment and gesture for me,” she said.

A memorial service for Paul Botes will be held at the Gereformeerde Kerk in Rynfield on January 27 at 11:30.

Also Read: Botes savours his many years as the creator of art