Patrick Foster

Patrick Foster is a visual artist based in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Since 2006 he has been part of Creare Training Centre, where he trains people to use multimedia-based skills for ministry purposes.

Foster’s creative methodology works predominantly with photographic and motion picture mediums using a broad range of multimedia-based skills. He often combines graphic design, dramatic arts and music production to support his visual works.

Foster’s inspirations often stem from critical self-evaluation and a Christian worldview where he adopts scripture as a means to understand himself and his place in the world.

Family is a recurring theme in Foster’s work where he uses these dynamics to uncover identity and heritage within a range of photographic mediums. Other themes used by Foster include; the sublime, spiritual identity, nostalgia and religious motifs.

In 2021 Foster created short film entitled The Prodigals: a family portrait (2021) is a love letter to photography, presenting an hypothetical epilogue to the Parable of The Prodigal Son. This short film involves comparison and feelings of inadequacy, much like the older brother. Patrick Foster exposes his inner conflict over warring creative impulses, while being a story of sibling rivalry and opinions about inheritance and self-perception.