Johann van Heerden started painting under the pseudonym Hannpan in 2009. Painting was initially a recovery tool that soon became a way of expressing the celebration of a new freedom, freshness and the colors of a new life.
He is inspired by people and the true miracle of life. He has a keen sense of humor and this characteristic is evident in his work. He has a deep love for Africa and South Africa specifically. He is close to nature and is always in awe of the majesty and beauty of the South African landscapes and our unique cloud formations. He has never had any formal training in art, but takes every available opportunity to learn from fellow artists. He has a deep respect for all the great impressionists and expressionists and finds their work and skills inspiring.
Johann's unique style of bold colours and brushstrokes has the ability to capture the eye and imagination. His style has been described as naïve, impressionistic, expressionistic – but he does not view his work as such. For Johann it’s all about passion. “The work I do is never an accurate depiction of a specific place or time, it’s rather an image in the mind inspired by events, words and emotions.”
He is a very spiritual person, who respects all creativity because he feels that one cannot be creative if you don’t experience some form of spiritual connection. “One faces the future with one’s past,” he believes.
His first years were spent in the small town of Parys in the Free State, on the banks of the Vaal River. He had a rather difficult childhood, but overcame immense difficulties. Later in life he had a long struggle with addiction and recovery – something that is very close to his heart and he is still constantly reaching out to those who are caught in the clutches of disabling addiction. It was during his recovery process that he discovered his artistic talent. His art gave him the solace where healing could begin.
ONLY ONE OF EACH OF THESE PAINTINGS EXIST IN THE WORLD.THEY ARE IDEAS FROM MY THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS . I DO NOT MAKE COPIES OR PRINTS OF ANY KIND AND EVEN THOUGH I DO TAKE COMMISIONS A PARTICULAR WORK CAN NOT BE REPLICATED.
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