Born 1948 in Eastern Cape, South Africa He was without doubt one of the most interesting characters in the South African art world whose light-hearted irreverence toward his imagery belies his strong application and talent for painting.
Educated at de la Salle College in the Eastern Cape, he really was only interested in becoming an artist. He regarded this as the only way he could compete with his very clever peers at school and thereafter. To further his work, Malachi converted an old American motor home to become his permanent home as he travelled widely throughout Southern Africa studying first hand wild life and his beloved trees and rock outcrops – “koppies” – particularly around the veld in Mpumalanga and in Natal.
Most Malachi works are in mixed media since this gave him the range of artistic materials and techniques to try and capture what the Lord created in Nature. In between his application to his work, Malachi fostered a family of ten children to whom he was devoted as well as to their mothers!
Malachi Smith was able to confine romance from a scene which, at first, appears far too photo realistic. His bushveld African sunsets are a great joy to behold, as are his portrayals of the “umbrella trees” (Oribus Tortilus) the grand providers of shade and seeds in the open veld.
Sadly Malachi Smith passed away in June 2012.