Walter Oltmann (b. 1960) is a celebrated South African artist renowned for his mastery of line in both two and three dimensions. He holds a BA in Fine Arts from the University of Natal (1981) and an MA in Fine Arts from the University of the Witwatersrand (1985). His unique aesthetic is deeply influenced by his migratory childhood across remote areas of KwaZulu-Natal, which exposed him to the region's rich craft traditions.
Oltmann’s practice is primarily divided into intricate drawings (using pencil, ink, and bleach) and delicate wire sculptures. A conceptual and visual thread runs through all of his work, seamlessly connecting the drawn line to the sculpted wire form. This exploration extends into his printmaking, as seen in his work with The Artists’ Press. Reflecting on this process, Oltmann notes how "the thread of the pencil line moves into wire which moves into polymer plate." He successfully found a way to translate the "delicacy of lace and wire work" into print media, a discovery he describes as both unexpected and welcome.
Through his meticulous and innovative approach, Oltmann continues to explore the boundaries between drawing, sculpture, and printmaking.
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Walter Oltmann (b. 1960) is a celebrated South African artist renowned for his mastery of line in both two and three dimensions. He holds a BA in Fine Arts from the University of Natal (1981) and an MA in Fine Arts from the University of the Witwatersrand (1985). His unique aesthetic is deeply influenced by his migratory childhood across remote areas of KwaZulu-Natal, which exposed him to the region's rich craft traditions.
Oltmann’s practice is primarily divided into intricate drawings (using pencil, ink, and bleach) and delicate wire sculptures. A conceptual and visual thread runs through all of his work, seamlessly connecting the drawn line to the sculpted wire form. This exploration extends into his printmaking, as seen in his work with The Artists’ Press. Reflecting on this process, Oltmann notes how "the thread of the pencil line moves into wire which moves into polymer plate." He successfully found a way to translate the "delicacy of lace and wire work" into print media, a discovery he describes as both unexpected and welcome.
Through his meticulous and innovative approach, Oltmann continues to explore the boundaries between drawing, sculpture, and printmaking.
