ARTIST STATEMENT
The Puppet
My work is an expression of both what goes on in my mind and the world around me. If I had the ability to write, I would—but instead, I paint. I have long been interested in philosophical ideas about existence, ever since I asked my mother as a child, “Why is there something rather than nothing?”
For the past few years, I have been developing an ongoing theme titled The Puppet Show, which playfully questions the idea of free will. This particular series presents portraits and objects, where each subject is accompanied by items that point toward their life’s work, calling, or the continuous mastering of an individual talent.
Things become complicated when the object becomes the master of the subject—as life happens and mastery transforms into merely a means of survival. When the show, or the puppet, begins to control the master, the joy disappears and the plot is lost. Life becomes a constant chase for the reins until we pause, disconnect, and reconnect again with the deeper reason behind what we do.
For now, I have resolved to let “The Calling” be the master. As much as I love the idea of free will, surrendering to one’s calling makes life feel like a ride—much like a puppet floating across a stage, every step guided and carried forward until the story is complete.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Born in Umtata, Transkei, in 1982, I always found comfort in art as a way to express myself as a naturally shy introvert.
In 1997, I began teaching myself how to paint using watercolours, interpreting an image of a bouquet of flowers in a jar from a greeting card.
As a self-taught artist, I have continually experimented with different media, including pastel and acrylic on canvas, eventually evolving towards oil paint as my preferred medium.
November 2024
ARTIST STATEMENT
RARE
This series celebrates the shared beauty that connects all of us to each other and the world around us. At its core, RARE reflects the idea that we are all unique, valuable, and irreplaceable.
I explore both meanings of the word “RARE” to capture how, at certain moments in life, we are broken down to our raw, unfiltered selves. Like delicate ornaments, it is through this breaking that we can rebuild into something even stronger, more distinctive, and resilient. When life dismantles us, what remains are our most authentic, precious parts—both RARE and RAW.
This exhibition is designed to leave a lasting impression through its striking visual elements and symbolic use of materials. For some pieces, I’ve incorporated recycled wooden panels and drop sheets, joined with hinges to represent the process of reassembly. These materials echo the theme of renewal, reminding us of the beauty and strength found in transformation.
Through this series, I invite viewers to reflect on their own experiences of being broken and rebuilt, and to find inspiration in the resilience that makes each of us truly RARE.
