Cape Town artist Michael Beckurts
A line drawing, bold colour overlays and the thrill of experiencing live music: introducing the artwork that launches the build-up to the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek’s second edition.
Michael is the second South African artist to make the festival’s poster, following Sam Nhlengethwa, who created the artwork for the first Montreux Jazz Festival on African soil.
Philip Beardwood, Managing Director of Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek, says: “Music is a relationship between musicians and the people who listen to them. Michael’s work goes beyond observing that relationship, to interpreting and documenting it to create a unique archive. His drawings are an expression of the energy of a festival so his poster feels so apt for our 2027 edition. We look forward to having Michael with us in Franschhoek in March and documenting the experience through his work.”
Michael Beckurts says “Being recognised as an artist in this way is a huge honour. To follow Sam Nhlengethwa, and to join the artists who have represented Montreux around the world, is something I’m deeply grateful for. I look forward to being inside the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek next year, interpreting and capturing it all.”
The Montreux Jazz Festival poster tradition
Mathieu Jaton, CEO Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, says: “The Montreux Jazz Festival poster has always been a place where artists are trusted to respond to the festival in their own way. It’s a joy to see South African artists now picking up the mantle. We are delighted to welcome Michael Beckurts to this tradition and we look forward to seeing how his work carries it forward.”
About the artist
He also draws familiar Cape Town scenes and works in oils, watercolour, charcoal, ink and more recently ceramic underglaze.
For Michael, drawing has always been a way of finding emotional and social connection. His lines are a response to the sound, rhythm and energy flowing between performer and crowd. He describes drawing at live events as “tapping into a collective flow state”.
Michael’s relationship with drawing began in early childhood. Following major spinal surgery, holding a pen or paintbrush was a significant challenge, and art became an important part of his rehabilitation. Each line built his confidence, and the pen remains a symbol of that confidence.
He went on to study design at the Cape Town Creative Academy then at the Old Biscuit in Woodstock. As a student, Michael started drawing at a nearby wine bar, Openwine, where he was invited to draw at the weekly jazz sessions. The Test Kitchen restaurant, then also at the Old Biscuit Mill, hosted his first solo exhibition.
As a wheelchair user, accessibility challenges are part of his lived experience and this extends to attending concerts. Most venues are inaccessible but with careful planning and the support of friends and family he finds a way to partake and actively contribute. Accessibility realities are still deeply limiting for wheelchair users. While some venues are addressing this issue it is an ongoing conversation that demands greater attention.
The Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek will happen from 19-21 March 2027
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