In Heart of Africa, the late Gerrit Pitout delivers a powerful, deeply nostalgic homage to the iconic northern landscapes of Southern Africa, demonstrating his masterful command over oil on canvas. Pitout's signature handling of light is fully realized across the parched foreground. The harsh, low-slung sun casts deep, graphic shadows from the baobabs across the cracked, rich ochre earth. This stark contrast between the burning red soil and the cool, dark shade perfectly encapsulates the intense mid-day or late afternoon heat of the Limpopo valley or lowveld bush. This painting is an extraordinary specimen of traditional South African landscape realism. It stands not only as a testament to the untamed, ancient soul of the continent but also as a proud reminder of Gerrit Pitout's lasting legacy and immense contribution to our nation's visual heritage.