Walter Whall Battiss

Place: Somerset East

Born: 1906

Death: 1982

Biography:

Walter Whall Battiss was a South African artist, also known as the creator of the 'Fook Island' concept. He was born in Somerset East, South Africa in 1906 to an English Methodist family. Battiss first became interested in archaeology and tribal art as a young boy after moving to Koffiefontein in 1917. He completed his education in Fauresmith and matriculated in 1923. In 1924, he became a clerk in the Magistrates Court in Rustenburg. His formal art studies started in 1929 at the Witwatersrand Technical College (drawing and painting), followed by the Johannesburg Training College (a Teacher’s Diploma) and etching lessons. Battiss continued his studies while working as a magistrate's clerk, and finally obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts at University of South Africa at the age of 35. He was a founding member of the New Group and was unique in that he had not studied overseas. In 1938 he visited Europe for the first time, and in 1939 he published his first book, ‘The Amazing Bushman’. His interest in primitive rock art had a very profound impact on his ideas and he regarded San painting as an important art form. He was also influenced by Ndebele beadwork, pre-Islamic cultures and calligraphy. He visited Greece in 1966-1968 and the Seychelles in 1972, which inspired his make-believe ‘Fook Island’, a dream wold for which he created a map, imaginary people, plants and animals. He even created a history. Battiss died in Port Shepstone, Natal in 1982.