As a resident of the small town of George, I’ve always been intrigued by the unique and quirky postboxes that dot our streets. In an era where sending letters is becoming a thing of the past and our postal service is nearly nonexistent, these postboxes have begun to feel like nostalgic relics, quietly witnessing the change in our world.
It was this realization that inspired my latest painting series, Post-Realism. The series is a collection of eight oil paintings, each capturing the charm and individuality of postboxes around George. I wanted to celebrate people's eccentric designs to adorn their homes — from postboxes shaped like shoes, to old buoys, and even helmets. These postboxes, as whimsical as they may seem, hold a deeper significance in our history and culture.
The name is a playful pun that reflects both the realistic portrayal of these everyday objects and the reference to the postal theme. The decline of letter-sending means that postboxes, once essential in our daily lives, now represent something slowly disappearing. This series is my tribute to these overlooked yet deeply familiar symbols of communication and connection.
Though these postboxes are scattered throughout George, they’re part of a larger South African tradition of using quirky, often handmade designs for this humble object. It's amazing how much personality these postboxes bring to our neighbourhoods — they reflect the creativity, humour, and practicality of the people who built them. As I painted each one, I found myself appreciating how even the smallest, everyday details can carry so much meaning and charm.
Each painting in the series measures 25cm x 25cm, making them perfect for displaying as a cohesive set or as stand-alone pieces. Whether you’re from George or just appreciate the beauty of ordinary objects, this series invites you to take a moment to reflect on how something as simple as a postbox can evoke memories of a time when handwritten letters were a vital part of our lives.
In Post-Realism, I aim to capture not only the quirky aesthetics of these postboxes but also the deeper nostalgia attached to them. As we move further into a digital world, these artworks offer a reminder of how things used to be — a time when waiting for the postman was filled with anticipation, and sending a letter carried a personal touch.
You can view the entire Post-Realism series here where each painting is available for R2600. Whether you’re looking to bring a bit of South African charm into your home or simply want to appreciate the beauty of these disappearing symbols, I hope these works resonate with you as much as they do with me.
Let me know what you think — I’d love to hear your thoughts on these artworks and the inspiration behind them.
Here’s to finding art in the everyday,
Doris Brand
