Weekend Special

Juan Stockenstroom's figurative painting depicts a mischievous and smiling woman in lingerie, captured in a moment of indulgence as she holds a champagne flute in her hand. The body of the woman is a swirling mix of multiple colours, rendered with flowing acrylic paints that create a frenzy and playful texture. The colours used to create the figure include a mix of pink red, gold, bronze, light blue, turquoise, and cadmium red. She is depicted wearing a blonde wig, which adds a sense of glamour and fantasy to the scene.

The background of the painting is a striking and bold red, created using a thick and heavy mixture of acrylic modelling paste and gloss medium. This vivid background serves to draw attention to the central figure, creating a sense of intimacy and intensity.

The title of the work, “Weekend Special”, references the illegal drinking pubs found in South African townships. These establishments offer opportunities for prostitutes to solicit potential clients, and the painting captures the energy and sensuality of this world. The title also references a song by the famous South African Afro-pop singer Brenda Fassie, who passed away in 2004. The use of this title adds a layer of cultural and historical significance to the work, connecting it to the broader social and cultural context of South Africa.

Through his use of swirling colours, playful textures, and bold composition, Stockenstroom captures the vibrancy and sensuality of South African nightlife, offering a unique perspective on a world that is often overlooked or dismissed. The painting invites the viewer to enter into this world and experience its energy and intensity for themselves.