Artists We Love: Gerhard Human

INTERVIEWED BY Amelia Brown IMAGES courtesy of Gerhard Human

Cape Town-based contemporary artist, comic creator and animator Gerhard Human has worked with authors, musicians and big brands and exhibited all around the world. A rebel with a cause, he shares how his depiction of outlaws, punks and misfits has its roots in his own urge to go against the grain. 

Everything In Its Right Place, 2017

How did you develop your style?

I hope it’s still developing. I grew up with comics, animation and skate culture, so I guess that played a big role. You tend to gravitate towards things that speak to you and you meet people along the way that guide you in different directions. Every little thing plays a part in the process. Sometimes you do things because it’s the opposite of what everyone else is doing. I always had a hard time fitting in with popular culture – growing up in suburbia in Pretoria, there was a lot to rebel against.

Were there any other artists that have influenced you? 

I’ve been massively influenced by South African artists, especially people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing through my life like Daniël du Plessis, Conrad Botes, Anton Kannemeyer, Gerhard Marx, Wim Botha, and of course my wife, Ronel [Human], who is also an artist. We studied design together back in the day. I think the South African art scene has so much to offer, especially the underground comics scene.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I don’t know if I want to live anywhere else. I love the Cape Peninsula. There’s a ton of amazing places I want to visit, but living somewhere is another story.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m working on an animated short film. Because I do it all myself, it’s taking forever, but I’m enjoying the process. I’m also discussing a long-form graphic novel with a novelist friend of mine so we might get going on that too.

What, or who, inspires you?

I listen to a lot of music. It’s always been an integral part of my work space. I get inspired by other people’s creativity – the energy of a strong creative process no matter what it looks like. When I read a book or see a director’s touch in a film, I feel a sense of that creative spirit.

I really like raw creation untouched by the commercial machine that tends to polish everything for mass appeal. I think Tom Waits, David Lynch and Charles Bukowski display this. I want to see mistakes, things that don’t quite make sense, the human touch.

Describe where you create.

I have a small cave at our house in Glencairn. It’s packed with drawings, books, drawing materials and all kinds of rubbish that shouldn’t really see the light of day. I really need to clean up a bit.

What time of day do you prefer to work?

Very early morning before everyone gets up and starts sending me emails.

What are you reading at the moment?

We recently moved house so I dug up some old books. I’m re-reading Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Haruki Murakami.

If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?

Mountaineer, for sure.

Safe From Harm, 2013

Do you have a career highlight?

Mmm… I think the project I enjoyed the most was the animated film I did for the music video for Raffertie’s “Last Train Home”. The animation took me four months and I was almost completely worn out at the end, but watching it all come together was really exciting.

I also loved working with my good friend Daniël du Plessis on an exhibition we put together in Cape Town a few years ago.

Where was the last place you travelled and what did you buy?

I haven’t been to too many exotic places, but I get into the mountains a lot. The last place I travelled to was the Cederberg and I didn’t buy much; that’s what I love about it.

What is your favourite room in your home?

It has to be my studio/cave. I keep all my comics and odd stuff in there and I can sit with my headphones on and listen to inappropriate music.

What is the last piece of design/art you purchased?

I got my hands on my friend Gerhard Marx’s new book entitled Ecstatic Archive, the name of his recent exhibition. It’s truly magnificent. (Available through Goodman Gallery.)

Are you a summer or winter person?

Definitely a winter person. I struggle to survive in the heat.

View more of Gerhard’s work here and find him on Instagram @thegerhard. (His favourite account is @chillwildlife “because that’s what the internet was made for!”)