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Stern was extremely influenced by the style of Post-Impressionists, Fauves, and Expressionists, especially by Max Pechstein of Die Brücke. The work that reflects this was produced when she was still in Germany, and was based on expressionist communication. Contrasting with German Expressionism, her travels through Africa were also highly influential, as well as the mementoes she acquired. The “savagery of the landscape and of the people, of snakes, wild birds and tropic vegetation” were …

…immediately becomes the focal point. During the 1930’s, it was highly unusual to find a black man painting, apart from when involved in tribal crafts. Sekoto was the first professional black artist to gain recognition in South Africa, and his introduction of social realism and the implications of his work are of great importance regarding South African society. During apartheid, Sekoto was rediscovered, and today he is regarded as the father of black urban art.