Dennis Woest’s latest project represents far more than just artwork; it’s “a sense of pride and my way of capturing South African history in a positive light”.
The Somerset West artist has embarked on an ambitious artistic tribute to the country’s rugby heritage, creating large-scale oil portraits of Springbok Rugby World Cup-winning captains Francois Pienaar, John Smit and Siya Kolisi. The undertaking aims to immortalise these rugby heroes, celebrating the nation’s sporting legacy through art.
Each impressive canvas is personally signed by the rugby legends on both the front and back, authenticating these valuable commemorative pieces.
The project has already gained significant recognition, with Rand Merchant Bank acquiring the Siya Kolisi portrait for their London office. The Francois Pienaar painting is currently available, strategically timed to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Springboks’ iconic 1995 Rugby World Cup victory.
NATIONAL PRIDE
Asked about the project’s goal, Woest says he aimed to capture “national pride in a visual, emotional and celebratory way”. He discovered his artistic talent at age five, teaching himself to draw through comic books.
His ability gained early recognition when his Grade 4 teacher asked him to illustrate lessons on the blackboard for Tex chocolate-bar rewards. By high school he would skip bookkeeping classes to spend time in the art room.
Since turning professional in 2016 Woest’s career has been deeply connected to music.
He began with local musicians, drawing from his 1980s experience creating album covers for artists including E-Void, Johnny Clegg, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Chicko. Woest’s reputation attracted international subjects such as Brian Ferry, Santana, Robert Smith and Sting.
It was commissions for John Smit and Jake White portraits that sparked a focus on rugby legends.
CAPTURING HISTORY
He recognised he was “capturing history in the making”. Woest’s technique is a simplified approach, working exclusively in oils, using photos, with charcoal sketches, applying a random acrylic wash to “activate the canvas” then completing with oils on a 125 cm × 90 cm canvas, the largest he can transport.
Woest aims to expand the collection beyond just captains, to include all Springbok legends by the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
To realise this vision, he is actively seeking sponsorship or investment to support this comprehensive celebration of South African rugby excellence.
“With four Rugby World Cup titles behind us (1995, 2007, 2019 and 2023), and the next tournament approaching in 2027, this is the perfect time to honour our national heroes, and to do so in a way that connects powerfully with South Africans.”
He envisages exhibiting the complete collection at The Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch or the gallery at Cavalli Wine Estate along the R44.
BRUSHSTROKES OF BRILLIANCE
Getting the artworks signed proved surprisingly straightforward – simply making appointments or visiting the hotels where the players typically stay. “What can I say, it was amazing to meet these rugby legends in person,” Woest reflects. “They are just so humble, true gentlemen.”
As for the Rand Merchant Bank (RBM) acquisition, it happened by pure chance. Woest had taken his Sting portrait to be signed at a concert, and afterward found himself at a GrandWest pub where RMB representatives spotted the painting.
“One thing led to another and they wanted to see more of my work,” he recalls.
When shown photos on his phone, they immediately focused on the Siya Kolisi portrait and began negotiating – at 01:00. “When I woke up the next morning, the money was in my account and a courier collected the painting at 14:00 for the evening flight to London.”
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