Johan Vlok Louw, born in Cape Town, is an acclaimed South African writer, painter, and curator. He studied Fine Art and Design at the Central University of Technology in the early 90s, specializing in oil painting.

 

After a successful career in corporate and labour law within the field of Black Economic Empowerment, he returned to his artistic roots.

Louw’s body of work — both literary and visual — explores the historical, secular, abstract, and spiritual dimensions of the human condition.  

 

His painting style, often described as Sub-Gogh (street art meets Vincent), represents a modern evolution — echoing emotional intensity and radiance while infused with a raw, urban energy. The expressionistic works reveal a synthesis of classical oil techniques and modern abstraction, combining meticulous Old Master layering with luminous color and tactile depth.

 

His voice is distinctly contemporary.  

 

As a novelist, he has published five books with Penguin Random House, all of which have received national recognition and multiple short- and longlistings for major South African literary awards — including Book of the Year 2024 by the South African Literary Awards (SALA) and the Sunday Times Award. His work was also shortlisted for the University of Johannesburg Prize for Creative English Literature in 2014. He is currently working on his sixth novel.

 

Beyond his artistic practice, Johan works as a curator and lecturer, shaping exhibitions, mentoring emerging artists, and contributing to cross-disciplinary artistic consultancy. He remains open to new collaborations worldwide.