Machiel Hopman

Machiel Hopman (1928–2001) was a Dutch artist, born in The Hague, who worked extensively in South Africa. He also signed his work under the name Nzama.

In the 1970s, he became interested in the mysticism of the Black population. He brought these ancient, mythical stories to life in his own unique way through his art and signed them “Nzama.” A wealthy American from Texas enthusiastically bought up all of the Nzama paintings and invited the artist to exhibit new work in Houston. Hopman traveled to America, where all his work was sold and he received a great deal of publicity. Partly as a result, his own gallery in Johannesburg (the Hopman Gallery) was thriving. Nzama was also discovered in the Netherlands: the Dutch public was enthusiastic, and the works sold like hotcakes. However, the story goes that Machiel Hopman ran into trouble in the Netherlands with art critics who, impressed by Nzama’s work, wanted an interview with this Black artist and were disappointed when they discovered the white painter behind the name.

Hopman continued to sign his work as Nzama until around 1978, after which he returned to using his own name. He then began to incorporate his powerful impressions of Nzama primarily into abstract works. In the 1990s, the painter expressed his fascination and love for South Africa and its indigenous people in yet another way: through paintings of townships, Sunday prayers, and Zulu warriors. A defining characteristic is that Hopman and Nzama always depicted the Black population as powerful and proud.