Neville LEWIS (1895 – 1972)
Native Girl
date unknown
oil on canvas
51 x 41 cm
In our commitment to preserving and presenting South Africa’s artistic heritage, the SABC Art Collection recognises that certain artworks in this collection were produced in historical periods shaped by intersecting apartheid and colonialism. As such, some titles and descriptions may reflect the biases, prejudices and perspectives that were prevalent during those times. These titles are retained to respect the integrity of the original artworks and the contexts in which they were created, offering a fuller understanding of the complexities in our collective history.
We acknowledge that such language may be harmful or offensive today and are committed to addressing these issues thoughtfully. Where possible, additional context is provided to help viewers engage with these works critically and respectfully, fostering conversations around South Africa’s past, its ongoing impact, and the pursuit of a more inclusive future. This is work in progress.
In the context of colonialism and apartheid, for example, the term ‘native’ was far from neutral. It did not simply mean ‘a local inhabitant’ or ‘a person born in a specified place or associated with a place by birth, whether subsequently resident there or not’. Although it was used widely with an air of neutrality and acceptability, the word referred to ‘a non-white original inhabitant of the country, as regarded by European colonists or travellers’ and had a demeaning undertone.
Similarly, it was common for white South Africans to refer to black men and women as ‘boy’ or ‘girl’, infantilising them and imparting an attitude of dominion and superiority… Continue Reading
BIOGRAPHY
(Alfred) Neville Lewis received his early education in Cape Town before moving to England in 1912 to study at the Newlyn School of Art and later at the Slade School of Fine Art, where he was influenced by significant figures like Augustus John.
Lewis became notable for his portraits and was appointed as South Africa’s first official war artist during World War II, capturing images of military personnel in North Africa. His style evolved through the decades, characterised by both realism and a touch of modernism. He depicted a variety of subjects, including landscapes and portraits, often featuring black South Africans.
Throughout his career, Lewis exhibited extensively in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Europe, earning a reputation as a master portraitist. His work is held in many prestigious collections, including the Iziko South African National Gallery.