While the theme of any art fair is generally the exhibition of a gallery's acquisition of new and contemporary works by young and upcoming artists, it becomes important to remember the careers of those who are no longer with us.

Known for depicting authoritarian figures with disdain, humour and plain absurdity, Robert Hodgins' distinctive prints and paintings have garnered national and international acclaim since he began producing work as a practicing artist over two decades ago.

Born in Dulwich, London in 1920, Hodgins claimed to have sought refuge in London art museums to escape the dreary existence of a childhood in post-depression Britain. Moving to South Africa at the age of 18, Hodgins performed military service during World War II in the United Defence Force where one can imagine he experienced the absurdity of authoritarian generals and ideas of inflated self-importance that later influenced the characters of his tongue-in-cheek portraits.

Despite having studied art and education at Goldsmiths College during the early 1950's as well as occupying lecturing posts at both Pretoria Technical College and the University of Witwatersrand, Hodgins began his career as a full-time artist relatively late in his life at the age of 63. His late start, however, did not impede on his prolific output which he would continue to produce until his death on Monday, March 15.

His work has been avidly collected nationally by institutions such as the University of South Africa, the Johannesburg Art Gallery, the Pretoria Art Museum, the University of Cape Town and the South African National Gallery to name but a few. Hodgins has also garnered an international reputation as one of South Africa's most recognized artists.

Survived by his partner Jan Neethling, Hodgins is remembered for his wry yet curiously optimistic outlook that disseminates through his work.