Shanty Town 

Gregoire Boonzaier created this landscape of a shanty town in 1982 using pastels. The makeshift homes, constructed from corrugated iron and scrap materials, present a stark symbol of poverty and marginalization. These shacks evoke a sense of impermanence and resilience, mirroring the human spirit's capacity to build and adapt under duress. Similar dwellings appear throughout history, from Roman insulae to the favelas of Brazil. The psychological impact of such images is profound, touching on universal anxieties about shelter and security. We recognize our own fears and hopes reflected in these humble structures. The muted palette and rough textures further emphasize the harsh realities of life in these settlements. Boonzaier's work is a poignant commentary on the socio-political conditions of his time, capturing the emotional weight of displacement and survival.