ARTIST STATEMENT
STILL NOISE
‘Still Noise’ suggests a static image filled with motion, a quiet surface that holds the traces of an audible past. The work doesn’t aim to depict sound, but rather to serve a record of its presence and a lingering artifact of both visual composition and sonic imprint.
ARTIST STATEMENT
The word “kumuka” comes from Shona, a widely spoken language in Zimbabwe. At its core, it means “to rise,” “to awaken,” or “to return.”
Masudi’s paintings offer a view of the world through the eyes of the migrant. The journey of moving to a new country in search of a better life often brings challenges that are difficult to navigate. Beyond adapting to an unfamiliar environment—usually without the comfort of a long-established support network or a culturally recognized identity—migrants must also adjust to a reality where their customs and way of life are no longer the norm.
Kumuka speaks to a kind of rebirth and transformation. It’s not only about rising to meet new challenges or adapting to new circumstances, but also about reconnecting with a deeper sense of purpose. At its heart, kumuka is a call to action—a symbol of growth, renewal, and awakening. In the context of migration, it can also represent a spiritual or emotional return: a reconnection with one’s cultural heritage and traditions.
With this exhibition, Masudi’s figurative paintings celebrate the awakening captured in the idea of kumuka. In earlier works, his subjects were often portrayed as individuals filled with hopes, dreams, and uncertainty. In this new body of work, they reveal a deeper sense of peace and self-assurance. The challenges remain, but the figures seem more grounded—more in touch with universal truths and their individual essence.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Tafadzwa Masudi (b. 1988) began painting at an early age in Harare, Zimbabwe, while assisting a family friend who introduced him to the visual arts.
In 2010, he moved to South Africa and worked in a clothing factory until 2020, when he was laid off. This turning point gave him the opportunity to pursue painting full-time. His work soon began appearing in group exhibitions at galleries in Cape Town. “Circumstances forced me to leave my country of birth. I relate to people who had to travel elsewhere to create a better life—and this is what I currently paint. Images that show their sense of self, their dreams, and their aspirations.”
Displaced migrants often experience a sense of lost identity when settling in a new country. Without an established presence or equal access to opportunity, they risk becoming nameless and faceless. Masudi’s figures reflect that moment of introspection—when individuals remember who they are and what they dream of becoming. His paintings serve as powerful reminders that people are more than the common narratives attached to their places of origin.
Through his work, people are portrayed with pride, dignity, and optimism—each a unique story of perseverance and humanity.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My work explores the intersection of art, technology, and social justice. As a social scientist with a focus on AI, I have witnessed firsthand the potential for artificial intelligence to both amplify existing societal biases and revolutionize our understanding of the human condition.
This dichotomy informs my artistic practice. I utilize cutting-edge AI techniques to create visually arresting works that challenge our perceptions of reality and question the ethical implications of historical technological advancements and forced modernization.
By “teaching” AI unbiased representations of humanity, I strive to mitigate the potential for algorithmic bias and foster a more equitable future.
My art is a reflection of my lived experiences as a social scientist, artist, and global citizen—drawing inspiration from the vibrant cultures I encounter, particularly my profound connection to the African continent. Through my work, I aim to spark dialogue, inspire critical thinking, and ultimately contribute to a more just and equitable world for all.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I invite you to explore my digital portfolio, where you’ll encounter a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, thought-provoking symbolism, and awe-inspiring narratives. Immerse yourself in the wonders of augmented reality,
as my creations blur the line between the tangible and the intangible, the real and the surreal. Let my art captivate your senses and transport you to a world where imagination knows no bounds.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Let us embark on a shared journey of artistic discovery, where the secrets of influence are unveiled and the power of augmented reality is harnessed to create something truly extraordinary.
I have a passion for the fascinating world of digital art, where imagination and technology collide to create mesmerising visual experiences. As a digital artist specialising in pop art, modern surrealism, and contemporary art, I invite you to journey through a realm where vibrant colours, captivating imagery, and augmented reality animation converge.
What sets my artwork apart is the seamless integration of augmented reality into most of my pieces. Through the power of technology, my creations come to life, transcending the boundaries of traditional art forms. Each stroke of my digital brush is infused with a touch of magic—unveiling hidden layers of meaning and captivating narratives that reveal themselves only when the work is fully realised.
Inspired by the enigmatic words of Salvador Dalí, I embrace the notion that the true essence of artistic influence lies in its mysterious nature. Often, my creative process begins without a defined purpose or conscious influence. It is through the act of creation itself that the hidden depths of inspiration unfold, guiding my hand and breathing life into each piece.
My artistic journey has earned recognition and acclaim. As the proud recipient of the 2023 International Artivive and PHOTOPIA Awards in Hamburg, Germany, I have cemented my place among the vanguard of visionary artists. You can witness the convergence of art and technology firsthand at my upcoming exhibition, held at the esteemed Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH from September 21st to 24th, 2023.
ARTIST RESUME
Thirza Schaap graduated from the Royal Academy of Art The Hague in 1996. Since then, she has been working as an artist and is currently exploring new art forms through her Plastic Ocean project. She has been living and working in both Amsterdam and Cape Town, South Africa, since 2013.
After first posting her Plastic Ocean images on Instagram, she was featured by i-D Vice in the summer of 2017, followed by Lidewij Edelkoort’s Trend Tablet, L’Officiel, Elle, Vogue, Aperture, and many others. Her collection was included in the Finders Keepers exhibition at Het Nieuwe Instituut, a design museum in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
In May 2019, during Design Week in Salone, Italy, she was acknowledged by Instagram as one of four artists successfully presenting themselves through social media. In March 2018, she gave a lecture and workshop alongside her exhibition at the Fabrica Research Center in Venice, Italy.
Her first solo exhibition of Plastic Ocean opened in June 2018 at Christie’s in Amsterdam, in collaboration with Colette Olof’s OWonder. Her sculptures were first exhibited in 2019 in Maastricht, the Netherlands, and later that year in Cape Town, in collaboration with Greenpeace Africa.
In 2021, she published her first book, Plastic Ocean, and joined Bildhalle Gallery in Zürich and Amsterdam. That spring, she had her first solo exhibition at Bildhalle Amsterdam and received an Inspiration Award from Hedy D’Ancona and the Humanistic Association in the Netherlands.
She was featured in 2021 by Süddeutsche Zeitung (Germany), Harpers (New York), Sunday Times (South Africa), The Guardian (UK), and all major Dutch newspapers. In 2022, she was a special guest at the Royal Academy London Summer Show.
In September 2023, her solo exhibition Cast Away opened at Bildhalle Amsterdam, where she presented photographs as well as, for the first time in Amsterdam, her sculptures and paintings.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“From the Past to the Present” is a tribute to the artists who have shaped my creative vision. Each piece honors a figure whose life and work have left a lasting impact, bridging the gap between artistic movements and personal inspiration.
Through bold colors and expressive contrasts, I explore the essence of their legacy while weaving it into my own artistic journey.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
For over 40 years, Ernst Linde has explored the world of painting, creating striking and expressive works driven by personal passion. His art blends bold color choices with dynamic compositions, reflecting a deep connection to his subjects. Though he has never exhibited, his paintings stand as a testament to a lifelong creative journey—crafted not for recognition, but for the love of the process itself.
ARTIST STATEMENT
While this format cannot fully convey the experience of my artwork, I will endeavor to articulate its conceptual and practical essence. In a photograph, our perception is unable to rest within the work; its salient, pattern-seeking nature cannot function, leaving no space for our imagination to come into play. My work represents a new form of expression—radical and singular enough in concept to be a new art ‘ism’ within a traditional medium.
If you attempt to evaluate it through the lens of abstract expressionism, as many mistakenly do, it may seem nonsensical because there is no clear benchmark for comparison.
My approach builds upon the foundations of past artistic revolutions, such as Cubism and Abstract art, offering a new framework for visual and psychological exploration. This alone is an incredibly strong selling point. The Cubists had stop-motion films; we have virtual reality. I would label this expression as a new form of Surrealism—one that evolves a new way of seeing through a shift in perception.
The construct of this expression is a space, structure, and form where illusions originate. I refer to this space as a “substance” because it behaves more like a dynamic entity than a static image.
This “substance” is designed to form a relational dynamic—one of contemplative awareness and introspective exploration. Art is a record of careful observation. One aspect of my expertise is the ability to stare intensely at something and draw meaning from it. This, in turn, allows me, as an artist, to create a meditative space that effortlessly resonates with the viewer’s consciousness.
Although my work shares the psychological and visual trigger-like qualities of pareidolia, it is not the same. Pareidolia typically presents a mark or form structure that can be interpreted in two or three ways. My work, however, constructs space and form to create an indeterminate number of visual impressions.
A practical method of constructing this substance is placing areas of extreme depth adjacent to areas of foreground, allowing perception to switch the two extremes into their opposites. A layering of compositional structures, combined with the illusion of movement and multiple focal and vanishing points, contributes to this interchangeable perception of depth.
Our perception, in attempting to make sense of the composition through a best-guess scenario, generates illusions of space, while its salient nature fosters a visual dialogue.
I incorporate as much diversity as possible—expanding the vocabulary of mark-making and packing in a variety of information. I also create visual linkages and use optically vibrating colors to open space.
I have been creating as an artist my entire life, and I understand that you cannot separate an artwork from the way it is made. In light of this, I strive to give my entire being a voice by stepping aside. I “listen” to a dialogue of creative action—a form of meditation. The source is an unchanging awareness.
My passion as an artist is fueled by that ineffable human life force, which becomes embedded in the plasticity of the medium. I know it is there—it is locked into the painting. That animated spirit enters what was once inert matter.
This is where the true value of the artwork lies. It will be fully realized when the viewer experiences the subject—whether through meditative action or vision. The success of embodying this presence is what gives the art its true value.
In a sense, this expression creates an eternal form.
Apologies for the rushed nature of this artist statement. More writings can be found on my website at gavinjohnrisi.com.
ARTIST STATEMENT
John Bauer searches through the flotsam and jetsam of the many cultures that have come to Cape Town—a city that acts as a magnet for people and their dreams. They arrive, each bringing a piece of home—something they identify with and that, in turn, identifies them with their homeland.
John gathers these cultural signifiers and orchestrates them into a symphony of diplomatic vibrance. No matter where in the world you come from, when you stand before his work, you will see something that resonates with you. You feel welcome.
The academic and the intellectual feel at home, as does the pedestrian who stumbles upon it, unaware of what they are seeing or why it is there. It requires no thesis; the porcelain itself is a palimpsest—a re-recording of all the civilizations upon whose shoulders we stand.
Each tile is its own testament. Like a choir of voices, the work forms a harmonious, even demure, whole. Yet upon closer exploration, it reveals its many diverse and exhilarating individual parts—never referencing a single historical technique, but paying homage to all of history.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
John Bauer is a ceramicist with work featured in two national museums and exhibitions both locally and internationally. He was the winner of the CSA Corobrik National Ceramic Biennial Premiere Award in 2022.
John’s unique neurology fosters innovation and collaboration, allowing him to push the boundaries of porcelain. He has reverse-engineered Song Dynasty technology and invented a printing technique on porcelain, which he coined “dioroid.” This method uses a responsive emulsion infused into the clay body to capture images of ambient objects.
Each tile panel is composed of one-of-a-kind, matchbox-sized tiles that together form a treasure trove of cultural and natural artifacts, stories, and emotions.
John has also created public installations in and around Cape Town, which he calls “people’s museums” or “The Rubbing Route.” These interactive works invite people to touch the pieces and even create their own art by placing a sheet of paper or foil over a tile and rubbing it with a pencil to “lift” the image.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Welcome to She Speaks in Colour, where my ladies don’t whisper—they holler, giggle, and strut in a riot of colours! This is my way of saying that women are here to dazzle, disrupt, and delight—and I’m just the lucky artist blasting their anthem. So come and vibe with us; let’s turn up the colour together!
This collection of portraits is a celebration of the female spirit in all its complexity: bold, tender, defiant, and radiant. Each canvas is a conversation, a moment where the subject’s essence breaks free from silence and asserts itself in vibrant hues.
My process begins with the women who inspire me—friends, strangers, and imagined souls. I paint not just their faces, but their stories, struggles, and triumphs, layering pigment like layers of life. The colours I choose are deliberate—never arbitrary—each stroke a reflection of emotion, identity, or memory.
She Speaks in Colour is both a personal exploration and a universal call—a testament to the power of women to shape the world through their presence. With this work, I hope each portrait sings its own song and reminds us that colour is not just seen, but felt and heard.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Jeané Lewin is a portrait artist who grew up in Strandfontein, Cape Town, and currently resides in Strand.
“I’ve always had a passion for art and drawing growing up.”
After matriculating, he began studying 3D animation but had to drop out due to a family crisis and lack of funds. The Covid-19 lockdown and isolation became a turning point, prompting him to focus fully on his art. During this time, he became fascinated by the subtle meaning and unpredictable nature of human behaviour, body language, and facial expressions.
Jeané paints impulsively, using a range of techniques such as drips and splashes, and incorporates different mediums and tools. This expressive approach helps evoke deeper meaning in his portraits and captures the raw, emotional nature of humanity.
ARTIST STATEMENT
After a five-year hiatus from producing art, Gee has returned with a new body of work inspired by his love of Art History. Under the pseudonym “Ghee,” his latest pieces seamlessly blend Gustav Klimt’s signature use of gold and intricate patterns with the elegance of Art Nouveau and the rich traditions of the Italian Renaissance and Baroque periods.
His works feature women’s faces adorned with radiant golden backgrounds, exuding an air of timeless beauty. Without the need for deeper interpretation, his art is a pure celebration of beauty—inviting viewers to appreciate it for its intrinsic charm and elegance.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Born in Cape Town in 1978, Rodney Gee is a versatile and accomplished artist, mastering multiple painting mediums, including oils, watercolors, acrylics, and digital art.
His creative journey has spanned decades, driven by a deep commitment to exploring diverse styles and subjects. He has exhibited in galleries and restaurants across the Western Cape and the Overstrand.
Gee first gained widespread recognition with his 2014 solo exhibition in Kalk Bay, which celebrated raptor rehabilitation. Since then, his captivating owl and koi fish paintings have received critical acclaim, earning him a devoted following.
While his art continues to evolve, his dedication to capturing beauty in its purest form remains constant.
