ABOUT
Illuminating the Cosmos Through "Darkart"
Buster Petersen, a South African-born artist, works across multiple mediums, including oils, acrylics, watercolours, and sculpture. A poet, writer, and social commentator, he adopts the pseudonym "Buster" to let his art speak independently, free from personal identity biases.
His artistic journey has been shaped by formal and informal training with renowned artists such as Paul Birchall, Jill Trappler, Derek van Rensburg, Christo Coetzee, and Judith Mason. Over time, he has developed a distinctive style that merges traditional painting techniques with experimental materials and technology.
This evolution has led to Darkart, a ground-breaking approach in which paintings transform under different lighting conditions, challenging conventional perceptions of visual art.
The Darkart Technique
A defining feature of Petersen's work is his use of photoluminescent pigments and rare earth materials to create paintings that come alive in the dark. These specialized pigments absorb light and emit a glow in darkness.
By integrating aluminium oxide, silicon carbide, and custom-blended luminescent paints, Petersen produces multi-layered compositions. Under standard lighting, viewers see one image, but in darkness, a hidden second image emerges, transforming the artwork into an evolving visual experience.
His fascination with cosmic themes aligns naturally with this technique. Many of his paintings depict celestial scenes—stars, nebulae, and galaxies—that appear to shimmer and shift as lighting conditions change. This effect evokes the vastness and dynamism of the universe, reinforcing the idea that his works exist in multiple dimensions.
Petersen's background in chemistry and mineralogy plays a crucial role in refining his process, allowing him to manipulate pigments to create depth, movement, and unpredictability.
Artistic Influences
Walter Battiss
Encouraged Petersen to embrace abstraction and experimental techniques, introducing him to the freedom of expression beyond conventional forms.
Henry Moore
Moore's sculptural forms resonate in Petersen's textural compositions, inspiring three-dimensional elements within his two-dimensional works.
Jackson Pollock
The raw energy of Pollock's action painting is reflected in Petersen's willingness to push artistic boundaries and embrace controlled chaos.
Khoi Storytelling
Engagement with indigenous African art, including Khoi symbolism, adds a deep cultural and historical layer to Petersen's contemporary work.
Chinese Masters
The disciplined techniques and philosophical approach of classical Chinese masters emphasize precision, flow, and the interplay between light and darkness.
Scientific Inquiry
Petersen's background in chemistry and mineralogy enables his innovative use of materials, pushing the boundaries of conventional painting.
Notable Exhibitions
Beyond the Canvas
Beyond aesthetics, Petersen's work challenges how we engage with art. As LED and fluorescent lighting become more prevalent, he believes artists must respond to these evolving conditions. His Darkart is not just a visual experience—it requires viewers to interact with his paintings in both light and darkness.
In an era of increasing technological integration in the arts, his work suggests a future where painting is no longer static but becomes a dynamic, living entity. Through scientific knowledge, historical influences, and artistic experimentation, Buster Petersen expands the boundaries of painting, inviting audiences to explore the unseen and experience art in an entirely new dimension.