Francois Kotze

Biography

Francois Kotze was born on 28th April 1968. He was educated at the De Aar High School from 1974 to 1986, where-after he completed his two-year military training at the Parachute Battalion in Bloemfontein. He studied at the Free State Technikon for four years as a Medical Technologist.

In 1982 he developed a fascination with jewellery design to which he applied himself ardently. After the completion of his military training in 1988, he manifests a greater intent or purpose in his career and irrevocably turns to sculpture – the three dimensional.

Although he had a preference to studying art, on account of the costs implicated in not only the making of art, but also the cost of equipment – he contentedly proceeded to study science in which he too is intensely interested. He derives a great amount of inspiration from science, which he then expresses and exposes in his art. Additionally, Francois uses jewellery and other commercial art forms to further (promote) his sculpture.

Francois’ preference for steel is that not only is it permanent or lasting, but that it is also versatile. His fascination and interest lies in the development and perfection of technique for the transformation of steel.

Exhibitions Include:

Standard Bank Exhibition
Group Exhibition, Oliewenhuis

Grahamstown National Arts Festival
Grahamstown

Metal Fantastic
Group Exhibition, Gallery 181

ABSA Free State Artists Exhibition
Group Exhibition

Observatory Theatre
Solo Exhibition, Naval Hill, Bloemfontein