ARTIST STATEMENT
Simone Marie Farah (b. 1977) – South African artist of Lebanese descent.
Fragments of Self is an evolving body of work that reflects the multifaceted nature of identity and explores my perspective on divinity and mortality in the modern world.
Fascinated by the complex interplay between the psyche and spirituality, I investigate how these themes manifest through abstract expressionism. In a study of light and shadow—incorporating processes of destruction and rebuilding—I delve into the self and its sacred connection to something greater.
This body of work emerged during a residency at Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, where my creative journey took on new forms. It began with shadows: my own shadow dancing across the canvas as I painted late into the night, shadows cast by laundry hanging in my room, and the ever-present shadow that walked beside me through the streets of Paris. I was constantly surrounded by reflections, whether in the studio windows or on the shimmering surface of the Seine. The play of light became a central theme, shaping this series. The pieces explore divinity, mortality, and identity through a mix of Chinese ink and oil paints, monoprints, and gilding.
My practice is a ritual of devotion and contemplation as I seek a deeper understanding of the human condition. Through a process of layering and abstraction, each piece represents the relationship between the sacred and the self. I experiment with scale, capturing moments of fragmentation and unity, aiming to evoke a sense of fragility and authenticity.
The monoprints were born out of necessity, driven by the practical limitations of working with oil paints in a live-in studio abroad—such as turpentine fumes and long drying times. The unpredictability of this method aligned with the idea of fragmentation, allowing me to create works that felt immediate and raw.
I invite you to explore your own subconscious as you engage with my work, encouraging shifting interpretations and personal insights.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Simone Marie Farah (b. 1977) is a South African artist of Lebanese descent who works primarily with oil paint and gilding. She originally came from a corporate background in marketing and communications, holding an MBA from the UCT Graduate School of Business and an undergraduate degree in English and African religion. She has been practicing as a full-time artist since 2014.
Primarily self-taught, Simone studied the techniques of the Renaissance Masters and fresco painting at Lorenzo de’ Medici in Florence, Italy. She recently completed a three-month residency at Cité Internationale des Arts, invited by the South African National Association of Visual Arts.
Simone has exhibited with several South African galleries, and her work has been presented internationally in France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, the USA, Lebanon, and the UAE.
She currently works from her studio at the renowned Victoria Yards development in Johannesburg, South Africa.
