Elwin Buchel is a South African artist and consultant gastroenterologist based in Abu Dhabi, whose life is a harmonious blend of medicine and art. This intriguing duality began to take shape when Buchel was merely five years old. Initially steered towards music by his piano teacher, fate had other plans. Recognizing a budding talent in visual arts, his piano teacher suggested art lessons instead. This twist of destiny redirected Buchel towards a path that would see him creating vivid visual stories alongside his life-saving medical career.
Buchel’s artistic journey kicked off under the guidance of an Italian art teacher who introduced him to the mesmerizing realms of watercolor and oil paint. From those early days, the allure of painting gripped him, setting the stage for a lifelong passion. Interestingly, despite never receiving formal art training at school or university, Buchel’s commitment to his craft never faltered. Opting for a medical profession, he specialized in gastroenterology and even earned a doctorate focused on liver disease. Yet, his love for art, particularly acrylic and oil paints, never took a backseat.
His artistic technique, nurtured since childhood, is a product of continuous self-discovery and relentless practice. Driven by the sheer joy of working with colors, Buchel’s daily artistic pursuits underscore his unwavering dedication. His art is characterized by an expressionistic style, employing bold and contrasting colors to craft visually arresting compositions that reflect his unique worldview and rule-free approach to art.
A piece that encapsulates Buchel’s ability to weave narrative into art is a painting inspired by a real-life incident. The artwork portrays a surgeon operating against the backdrop of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. The patient, a gunshot victim with a bullet perilously close to the heart, underwent a critical surgery in the trauma unit. The surgeon, recounting the incident with a calm ‘it’s all in a day’s work’ demeanor, inspired Buchel’s painting. Through his artwork, Buchel captures the horror and urgency he envisioned in that harrowing situation.
In this evocative piece, the stark contrast between the serene beauty of Table Mountain and the intensity of the surgical procedure creates a compelling visual narrative. The mountain, standing tall and majestic, symbolizes resilience and strength, mirroring the indomitable spirit of both the patient and the medical team. The intricate details of the surgical scene, from the focused expressions of the medical staff to the life-saving equipment surrounding the patient, offer a glimpse into the meticulous and high-stakes world of emergency medicine.
Furthermore, Buchel’s use of color and light amplifies the drama of the moment, with bold strokes and dynamic compositions adding depth and dimension to the painting. The interplay of shadows and highlights serves to emphasize the critical nature of the surgery and the delicate balance between life and death. Through this artwork, Buchel not only pays tribute to the dedicated professionals who navigate such challenging situations but also invites viewers to reflect on the fragility and preciousness of life.
In summary, Elwin Buchel is not just great artist or a skilled gastroenterologist; he is a storyteller who paints with passion and purpose. His art serves as a testament to his unique perspective on life, blending the complexities of medicine with the vibrant palette of his artistic imagination. Whether navigating the intricacies of the human body or the nuances of color on canvas, Buchel’s dual career embodies the essence of dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment.
