An irreplaceable teacher
Mr Marais believes one does not really need talent to become an artist because art is an individual thing.
HUGO Marais has been Sir John High School’s visual art teacher for over a decade and a half. His impact and influence is something which cannot be replaced and will be missed dearly when he retires.
The 66-year-old teacher, who resides in Alberton, has been the school’s visual art teacher since 1999 and over the
years he has seen many of his past students go on to start careers in the art industry.
Technically Mr Marais is retired, but the school asked him to stay on for a while as it is not an easy task to find a suitable replacement to oversee the students’ development from the first day they take visual arts as a subject until the day they complete matric.
When asked about his students, Mr Marais said: “I am very proud of my students. They start with me in Grade 10 and I get to know them and see them develop and grow as artists. Some of the students went on to start careers in graphic design and that makes me very proud.”
He has introduced the students to cement sculptures, which allow the students to work and think big. His classes are always occupied by students as they often feel the edge to work on their art even during their spare time.
“A couple of years ago, an exchange student, Baldur av Skarti, from Faroes Island, a tiny island between Norway and Iceland, came to my class and quickly drew the most incredible picture of Nelson Mandela. The student had no previous drawing experience but drew an amazing picture which some people have confused for a photograph. Another student, Kimita Pather, who was in Grade 11 C, also drew an incredible picture of Nelson Mandela and, at times, I have to tell the people to look at the hair if they think it is not a drawing but a photograph. And both these students had no prior drawing training,” he said.
Visit the Southern COURIER’s website to view a gallery of the art pieces Hugo Marais’ students have produced.
