Penny Whistler

CCAC #: 0204
Artwork title: Penny Whistler
Artist(s): Hargreaves Ntukwana
Year made: Unknown
Artwork type: Paper
Medium: Ink and watercolour on paper
Framed dimensions (in mm): 520 x 642
Source: Donated by Warren Siebrits, Warren Siebrits Modern & Contemporary Art (Johannesburg)
Year acquired: 1999
Installation type: Movable artwork
Current location: On private display
Signage:

Penny Whistler shows a woman holding a whistle and wearing earrings, presented with bold colours of red, yellow, and black. The strong lines and simple forms draw focus to her face and expression, giving her a sense of quiet strength and confidence. The bright colours add energy and reflect the vibrancy of everyday life.

Ntukwana, known for portraying township life and ordinary people with dignity and power. He often used a unique technique of blowing diluted oil paint onto paper and finishing with ink, creating soft backgrounds with defined details. In this work, he turns a simple moment into a striking image that celebrates presence, identity, and resilience.

Themes: Ubuntu
Identity and representation
Constitutional links: Human dignity - constitutional value (section 1a, section 10)
Freedom and security of the person (section 12)
Freedom of expression (section 16)
Equality - constitutional value (section 1a, section 9)

CCAC 435912

Photographer: Ben Law-Viljoen
Photo copyright: CCT

Does this listing contain information that you think we should improve or change? We would like to hear from you.

NOTE: The process of photographing artworks in the CCAC is underway - we are currently working to improve image quality and display on the CMS but have included internal reference photos for identification purposes in the interim.