Gordon FROUD (b. 1963)
The Grand Picnic I – Paris
2000
digital lazer print
50 x 75 cm
The Grand Picnic II – Paris
2000
digital lazer print
75 x 50 cm
The Grand Picnic III – Paris
2000
digital lazer print
size unknown
BIOGRAPHY
Gordon Froud has been actively involved in the South African and international art world as an artist, educator, curator and gallerist for more than 30 years.
Froud graduated with a BA (FA) Hons from the University of Witwatersrand, and a Master’s degree from the University of Johannesburg. He has lectured at Pretoria University and Pelmama Academy, Soweto and is currently Head of Visual Arts at the University of Johannesburg.
Perhaps known best for his use of found and untraditional materials in his sculptures, Froud attempts to explore the human condition in his work, particularly with regard to DNA, babies, genetics, bacteria, viruses and self-portraits.
In 2021, he launched Stokvel Gallery as an artist-run space. Prior to this, he was the Director of Gordart Gallery in Johannesburg.
He has shown on hundreds of solo and group shows and has curated numerous group exhibitions that have travelled the country.
Harmonia: Sacred Geometry, Pattern of Existence – his two-year cycle of work, a solo show of more than 150 new works – was showcased at the Standard Bank Gallery in 2018 and travelled to various major South African galleries and museums in 2018 and 2019.
In 2015, Froud curated exhibitions of South African contemporary art for Appalachian State University, North Carolina, United States and for the Beijing Biennale, both of which were shown at Pretoria Art Museum and the University of Johannesburg Art Gallery.
In 2013 and 2014, he showed at Nirox Sculpture Park and at Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens as part of the Heavy Metal outdoor sculpture exhibition.
He was selected as the first artist in residence (2012) and as a participating artist (2013) in the Site – Specific Land Art Biennale in Plettenberg Bay.
In 2012, three of his sculptures were selected for an exhibition of South African sculpture at the Hague in the Netherlands, one of which was acquired by the SA Embassy there.
His work is represented in many public and private collections.