Interview with Wonder Marthinus by John Blignaut (2012)

Wonder Marthinus (b.1967) has exhibited widely in South Africa, Canada, Germany and Switzerland. He has also attended the Greatmore Studios Artist Residency Programme, Cape Town, 2001 and the Thupelo Worskshops and Exhibitions, 1998 -- 2001. Formerly a dancer, Marthinus's life descended into chaos after a tragic accident left him severely injured. Unable to practice his craft, he eventually found himself living like a hermit on the slopes of Table Mountain. After a chance meeting with an artist at a soup kitchen, Marthinus was introduced to Greatmore Street Studios where his art career began. His work has developed beyond his humble origins and consistently attracts attention. He has explored the possibilities of installations, performances and mixed media; but continually returns to his first love -- painting. His paintings walk a tightrope between being representational and abstract. The Creative Block is a proud patron of Wonder Marthinus. www.creativeblock.co.za