b. January 6, 1906, Somerset East, South Africa | d. August 20, 1982, Port Shepstone, South Africa Walter Whall Battiss was a pioneering South African artist, renowned for his contributions to modernist art and his role in introducing abstract and indigenous influences into South African visual culture. Born in Somerset East, a Karoo town in the Eastern Cape Province, he developed an early interest in archaeology and tribal art, particularly after moving to Koffiefontein in 1917. His formal art education began in 1929 at the Witwatersrand Technical College, followed by studies at Johannesburg Training College and later at the University of South Africa, where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1941. Battiss was a founding member of the New Group, a collective of artists that played a significant role in the development of modern art in South Africa. His work was deeply influenced by indigenous African art, particularly San rock art, as well as Ndebele beadwork and pre-Islamic calligraphy. In 1949, he befriended Pablo Picasso, whose work further influenced his artistic style. Battiss also created the concept of ""Fook Island,"" an imaginary island that served as a platform for his creative expression and a form of resistance against the constraints of conceptual art. Throughout his career, Battiss was committed to education, teaching art at Pretoria Boys High School for over 30 years and serving as the principal of the Pretoria Art Centre from 1953 to 1958. In 1964, he became the first Professor of Fine Arts at the University of South Africa (UNISA), a position he held until his retirement in 1971. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Literature and Philosophy degree by UNISA in 1973. In 1981, Battiss donated his entire body of work to the newly established Walter Battiss Museum in his hometown of Somerset East, ensuring the preservation and public accessibility of his artistic legacy. He passed away on August 20, 1982, in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal. Battiss's innovative approach and dedication to integrating African cultural elements into modern art have left an indelible mark on South African art history.