Bloedgrond is a powerful and evocative art exhibition by South African artist Frank Pretorius. The exhibition opened on 8 August 2025 at the Hatton Gallery at Newcastle University in Newcastle, UK. The exhibition, which is open until 30 August, explores the deep scars of generational trauma that was left by the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902).

The name Bloedgrond is an Afrikaans term meaning ‘land of blood’. The exhibition is a compelling tribute to the resilience and suffering of the Boer women and children, who endured unimaginable atrocities during the War. The exhibition features a series of oil paintings that were created as part of Pretorius’ master’s exhibition. The paintings vividly portray the devastation and courage that these victims experienced.

Through his art, Pretorius aims to reckon with the haunting history of the war, particularly the violent strategy that was employed by the British colonial forces. The strategy comprised the destruction of farms, crops and homes, and the forced internment of women and children in concentration camps. Approximately 28 000 Boer woman and children perished in these camps.

Pretorius reflects in his artist’s statement:

The South African war, or the Boer War, which was waged from 1899 to 1902, left deep scars of generational trauma on its people, etching stories of loss and resilience into the fabric of our history. As a child, I was captivated by the tales of this conflict passed down through my family. These narratives, vivid and haunting, sparked my earliest drawings, imprinting themselves in my imagination. For my master’s exhibition, I’ve revived these memories, transforming them into a series of oil paintings. This body of work explores the duality of destruction and preservation, reflecting on what we choose to carry forward after trauma. Each painting is both a reckoning with the past and a tribute to the enduring spirit of those who lived it.

Pretorius, who hails from South Africa, draws inspiration from the memoirs of Emily Hobhouse, a British social reformer who risked her safety to expose the brutal conditions in these camps to the British public. Hobhouse’s tireless campaigning shone a light on the atrocities that had been committed in the name of the British Empire – a truth that had long been hidden from public view. The artwork presented in Bloedgrond serves as a sobering reminder of colonial brutality and of the moral vacuum that grows in wars that are waged away from the public eye.

Through this exhibition Pretorius especially honours Hobhouse’s legacy and gives voice to the countless women and children whose suffering was ignored, dismissed or forgotten by history.

Pretorius acknowledges the profound impact of this trauma on the Afrikaner community. As he explains: “This exhibition is a tribute to the strength of those women. It is about recognising the enormity of their suffering and the extent of our loss, but also acknowledging the rise from those ashes.”

Pretorius plans to bring Bloedgrond to South Africa later in the year to allow his fellow South Africans to reconnect with their painful past in an effort to remember what was lost, to celebrate what was restored, and ultimately, to heal.

The exhibition is on display at the Hatton Gallery, Newcastle University, from 8 August 2025, and is free to attend. Visit the Hatton Gallery website or contact the gallery directly for more information.

About Frank Pretorius

Born and raised in South Africa, Frank’s creative spark was evident early on, fuelled by the landscapes and stories of his homeland. He pursued Graphic Design and dove into a 20-year career in advertising. He made documentaries in Zambia, Botswana and South Africa – but still the artist’s life beckoned. Now a full-time artist, Frank’s work is displayed in galleries across the UK and grace private collections worldwide. His paintings blend his South African roots with a global perspective. More about the artist: https://www.frankpretorius.co.uk/

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