Before Expressionism found recognition in South Africa, Maggie Laubser was already painting against convention.
Born in 1886, Laubser became one of the earliest artists in South Africa to embrace Expressionism — a style that prioritised emotion, colour and personal interpretation over realism. At a time when traditional European technique dominated, her work stood apart: bold, simplified, and deeply expressive.
Her paintings weren’t concerned with perfection. They were concerned with feeling.
A Style Defined by Simplicity and Emotion
Laubser’s work is instantly recognisable — soft yet powerful colour palettes, simplified forms, and a quiet emotional presence. Whether depicting landscapes, animals or figures, her compositions carry a sense of calm introspection. Unlike more aggressive forms of Expressionism, her approach was restrained, almost meditative, inviting the viewer to slow down and engage with subtle emotional depth.
The Value of Expressionism
Maggie Laubser’s work continues to command strong attention in the art market. Collectors value her paintings not only for their historical significance but for their timeless emotional quality — proof that Expressionism isn’t a trend, but a lasting language built on emotion over perfection, colour as communication, and simplicity as strength.
From Laubser to Contemporary Expressionism
Expressionism in South Africa has evolved significantly since Laubser’s time. While her work leaned toward quiet introspection, contemporary artists often push further, introducing movement, disruption and intensity into the human form.
JAN: A Contemporary Expressionist Approach
JAN continues this evolution. Working primarily in oil on canvas, he explores the human figure as a space of tension, energy and transformation — a more dynamic, almost kinetic interpretation of Expressionism, where colour breaks through form and structure is intentionally disrupted. Where Laubser simplified form to express emotion, JAN expands it, layering movement, fragmentation and intensity.
A Living Tradition
Maggie Laubser helped establish Expressionism in South Africa. Today that legacy continues — not as repetition, but as reinvention. For collectors, this is where the most exciting work exists: at the intersection of history and now.
Continue the thread: View JAN’s available paintings, or read what expressionism means today.