Obsessive visionary Kurt Bosecke

Kurt Bosecke

Obsessive visionary

Story by Petra de Mooy. Photography by Emmaline Zanelli.

Above: Kurt working on his floor-to-ceiling mural installation, complete with a papier mâché stegosaurus at Arthur Arthouse, 2020. Page right: Kurt’s large scale canvas depicting a kaleidoscopic bird composition installed at ACE Open for ‘If The Future Is To Be Worth Anything’, was included in an exhibition showcasing a selection of significant emerging South Australian artists.

In the world of art there are distinctions made between artists who undergo a rigorous post-secondary education and those who are self-taught or ‘naive’. These outsider artists operate on the outer fringes of the mainstream, unschooled.

Their ranks include artists like Henry Darger or Madge Gill who worked in isolation, reclusively making art that was discovered posthumously, only to be heralded as brilliant and even genius. Closer to the mainstream there are folk artists making products or creating environments as a pastime who are eventually recognised and collected and exhibited as high value artworks. visionary, and though definitely not mainstream, he has a growing legion of fans both in and outside the local art scene.

Kurt began making art at a very young age and he may be one of the most prolific artists I’ve ever met. Encouraged by his parents, Brian and Carrie, he’s eagerly consumed a steady supply of art supplies, drawing and painting most days for at least a couple of hours, and some days many more. It keeps him busy but it also forms the foundation of the community around him and his support network. Though his father Brian tells me he would create the artwork regardless: ‘It would just pile up in a corner,’ he says.

The day I meet Kurt, he’s working at artist Henry Jock Walker’s Seaford studio. Henry is one of Kurt’s mentors and they meet most Wednesdays, with Henry seeing his role simply as offering encouragement and guidance to Kurt to open up different artistic frameworks. Henry and many other mentors along the way have helped Kurt find a place among other makers. As they work >

Top left: Kurt’s magical, colourful, mythical monsters. Photo by Che Chorley. Bottom left: Kurt’s elaborate titles for his work on the back of just a few of his many, many paintings. Right: Kurt at his regular Wednesday catch-up at Henry Jock Walker’s studio. Bottom left and right photos by Jason Porter.

alongside each other, Kurt gets lost in the activity, consumed by the repetition of pattern making, colour selection and the tap tap tap of his current medium – Poscas™ (water-based paint markers that come in every colour imaginable).

On Kurt’s instagram page (managed by his father) it is proudly stated that he is mentored by @henryjock @emmalinezanelli @ thomashennessy and @kaspartness. Many of these contacts came to Kurt through his many hours spent making art at the Tutti Arts Centre, which supports the development of artists with a disability.

Kurt was diagnosed with autism at a young age and also has an intellectual disability. Drawing and painting became one of the ways he navigated his way through mainstream education with specialist support. His stylised line drawings depicting gorillas, policemen, and superhero-like characters gave way to a more colourful and painterly style around 2017 when, his father Brian tells me, ‘I made a suggestion that he could perhaps think about making things more 3D.’ It may or may not have been the catalyst, but from then on Kurt started on a more colourful painting path that appears as a dense stream of consciousness with a sophisticated palette and style. Throughout the short period I spent with Kurt, he did not stop working. Pausing only briefly to inject a positive comment (‘It’s great!’) or tell me about his interest in music and film. His positive attitude is due in no small part to his parents, who despite the challenges have worked to offer Kurt every support and opportunity to thrive. Alongside art, Kurt is an active surfer, kayaker and swimmer. And he’s conscious of his diet: ‘Small amounts, healthy options,’ he tells me. Words to live by indeed.

Kurt’s innate artistic talent is augmented by his autism and intellectual disability. He creates without the self-editing and analysis most adults tend to undertake, and this freedom results in a rich and creative narrative punctuated by his elaborate titles which provide further insight into the complex worlds he depicts.

When I ask him: do you use a lot of colour? His answer is ‘Yes. Every single week and every single year.’ It’s a simple and pure statement of his absolute passion for his art.

Baby, it’s cold outside

Above top: ‘Enjoy a day of salt crusted family bonding with surf lessons through Surf Culture Australia. (Wetsuits provided for winter warming rides). Bottom images: At Loco, Victor Harbor ‘little amigos’ can enjoy a tasty children’s menu while parents can explore what’s on offer via the cocktail or ‘mocktail’ list. Photos by Angela Lisman.

Surf Culture Australia

Appreciate a different side of the coast this time of year, when the Fleurieu shows off some of the best surfing conditions it has to offer. Surf Culture Australia runs family fun sessions throughout the winter months across Moana, Southport, Middleton and Goolwa. You won’t have to worry about getting cold with thick, full-length wetsuits provided and energetic coaches to keep you on your toes. Enjoy a day of salt-crusted family bonding, while keeping active and ‘sharing the stoke.’ surfcultureaustralia.com.au

Loco Mexican

Whether you’ve been out on the water or hiking in a nearby national park, you’ll relish in a well-earned fiesta at Loco Mexican, Victor Harbor. Rally a crew and let the chefs serve up house favourites for a shared dining experience, or make your own selections from the menu of Mexican-inspired dishes including burritos, tacos, nachos and more. The ‘little amigos’ can explore a tasty children’s menu, while parents can work their way through the cocktail list (or mocktails, if you must behave). With a colourful, fun interior and a whole lot of bright, zesty flavours, you might just be tricked into thinking you’ve made a brief exotic getaway. locomexican.com

As the days become shorter and the nights grow cooler, dinners of fish and chips on the beach give way to warm crusty bread by the fire, while ice-cold beers are swapped for gutsy glasses of shiraz. But a little chill in the air doesn’t mean the fun has to end – there are plenty of ways to keep the whole family entertained, rain, hail or shine.

Above: The recent expansion of the Myponga Reservoir includes permission to canoe and kayak, rentals and further paths for cycling and walking. Photos courtesy of Jo Cowan. While there you can linger longer at the Smiling Samoyed Brewery or the Valley of Yore café.

Myponga Reservoir

Make the most of a gap in the clouds and explore the natural beauty surrounding this significant local water supply. Walk, run or cycle along the 6 kilometre network of trails, keeping an eye out for over 120 different species of native birds and various other wildlife who reside in the reserve. Share a picnic under the tall pines, or – if you have a fishing permit – try your luck dropping a line in. Take your canoe or kayak along and explore the 250 hectares of water, while you take in the luscious green landscapes. reservoirs.sa.gov.au/reservoirs/myponga

Valley of Yore

Refuel for the drive home with a mug of locally-roasted De Groot Coffee inside the old Myponga Cheese Factory building, now home to rustic cafe and concept store Valley of Yore. If you worked up an appetite on your reservoir adventures, sample some of the baked goodies and sweet treats adorning the countertop, while the little ones let their imaginations run wild as they draw the day’s adventures across the brick flooring in chalk. Adults can make their own discoveries among the beautifully curated local and Australian artworks, ceramics, candles, accessories and more. instagram.com/valleyofyore >

Top: A ride upon the Steam Ranger is a right of passage for South Australians. Who hasn’t been for a ride? A great experience for all. Bottom left and right: Visit Bristow Smith Reserve at Goolwa and enjoy a picnic while the kids play in this beautifully designed nature play area on the coast. Photos by Neil Charter.

Steam Ranger Heritage Railway

If the weather takes a turn, find shelter inside a heritage railway carriage on board The Cockle Train, while you absorb spectacular views of the River Murray and wild Southern Ocean. Experience a journey through history from Goolwa to Victor Harbor, with a few memorable stops along the way. If you’re lucky, at this time of year you might even spot a Southern Right Whale – keep your eyes peeled! steamrangerheritagerailway.org/our-trains/cockle-train

Bristow Smith Reserve

Set aside a few hours to expel some energy at the Bristow Smith Nature Playspace in Goolwa. The reserve features a 10-metre long restored wooden fishing boat, climbing nets, basket swings and more. As well as the physical challenge, children can find mental stimulation through the sensory wall, interactive musical elements, artworks and sculptures scattered throughout. Children of all ages and abilities are encouraged to enjoy the space, which also features a wheelchairaccessible swing. alexandrina.sa.gov.au/discover/sport-and-recreation/points-ofinterest/bristow-smith-reserve

Top: A giraffe is just one of the animals on the ‘Find the Animal’ map at Jungle in Willunga. Photo courtesy of GO Australia. Bottom: Step back in time while enjoying current releases at the Victa Cinema.

Jungle in Willunga

Make an escape to the tropics at this unexpected pocket of paradise hidden in Willunga. Ask for a ‘Find the Animal’ sheet at the shop when you arrive and explore the Jungle Walk for a $2 donation. Each corner brings a new find: animals, a pavilion, a little creek, and of course an exotic variety of greenery. With an impressive collection of giftwares, pottery and garden art, as well as helpful staff to give advice on creating a backyard paradise of your own, this world within a world has something for all ages. jungleinwillunga.com.au

Victa Cinema

Winter is a great time to snuggle up for a film inside the cosy Victa Cinema. Enjoy the movie popcorn and choc-top ritual, while you soak up the rich history of the original ‘Victor Theatre’, which began showing films in 1923. Come by in the evening to watch the digital artwork projected on the outside of the building each night, featuring many great videos including films celebrating local and South Australian history. victacinemas.com.au >

Top: A tasting flight designed for children at Kimbolton Wines. What a great idea! Photo by Duy Huynh. Bottom: At the Vine Shed, McLaren Vale – while the parents wine and dine inside the kids are kept entertained with outdoor games and a glamping tent complete with a screening area for children’s movies and arcade games.

Kimbolton Wines

Just because you have the kids with you, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to enjoy an afternoon out wine tasting. Kimbolton Wines makes the whole family feel included with tasting experiences for all ages. The adults can relax and enjoy a carefully paired wine and cheese flight, consisting of four local artisan cheeses paired with four Kimbolton wines. In the meantime, the kids can work through their own flight of three Bickford’s cordials matched with a tasting of cheese, kabana and a chocolate tommy turtle. With a packet of Kimbolton colouring pencils, activity booklet and bubbles, as well as a lawn area to let off some steam, both parents and children can enjoy the space together. kimboltonwines.com.au

Vine Shed

Children can run amok in a dedicated play area visible from the Vine Shed cellar door, while parents can relax and enjoy the experience knowing the little ones are safe. The play area features giant outdoor games like Jenga, noughts and crosses, chess and connect four. Shelter from the elements can be found inside a large cubby house with its own deck and verandah, or in the loft area where two vintage arcade game machines have been recently installed. Kids will also be entertained by a cosy movie theatre inside the bell tent, decked out with comfy bean bags. A delicious wine and food menu is backed up by some kid-friendly options like pizza, hot chips and wedges to please the whole crowd. vineshedvenue.com.au

Top: Rock climb the Adventure Tower at the Southern Adventure Hub. Photo courtesy of Adventure Hubs SA. Bottom: Earth Adventures rock climb and abseil tour in the gorgeous Onkaparinga River National Park. Photo courtesy of Earth Adventures.

Southern Adventure Hub

If you’re feeling a little more daring, the Southern Adventure Hub, located in the McLaren Vale wine region, is the experience for you. Located at Douglas Scrub Girl Guides camping grounds, the Southern Adventure Hub features a three-sided rock climbing adventure tower, a continuous high ropes challenge course, a super fun zipline and a double ‘leap of faith’ trapeze. Kids and adults alike are welcome to book online and try the rock climb and ropes experience every weekend and school holidays. Groups of eight or more can book private experiences. What better way to bond with family and friends than through a shared dose of adrenaline? adventurehubssa.com.au/southern

Earth Adventure

Immerse yourself in the great outdoors, find your inner peace and leave with some amazing memories on a tour with Earth Adventure. Experience a half-day tour of the Onkaparinga Gorge, scaling rocks while spotting the native wildlife with a Rock Climb and Abseil Onkaparinga adventure. If you have a group of eight or more, set aside a whole day for a Fleurieu Eco Adventure. An adventurous morning of high ropes and trapeze is followed by a gourmet picnic lunch. Then it’s off to a local organic winery, where you’ll get a fascinating introduction to organic wine and sustainability. Finish off your Fleurieu fun with some wine and cheese among the wildlife in Kuitpo Forest. earthadventure.com.au