Walter Battiss

Teacher

Birthday January 6, 1906

Birth Sign Capricorn

Birthplace South Africa

DEATH DATE Aug 20, 1982 (76)

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About

South African artist remembered for being the creator of the famous fictional, utopian island known as Fook Island. He served as a Professor of Fine Art at the University of South Africa and is considered one of the most important abstract painters of his era.

Before Fame

He worked as a clerk in the Magistrates Court in Rustenburg and later studied art at Witwatersrand Technical College.

Trivia

In 1948, he earned a bronze medal in Engravings and Etchings at the final art competition of the Olympic Games.

Family Life

He was born into an English Methodist family in the region of South Africa known as Karoo.

Associated With

The philosophies he espoused with Fook Island were embraced by celebrities like actress Janet Suzman.