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
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
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.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Sichumile Adam (b. 2001) is an emerging visual artist based in Johannesburg, South Africa. She recently graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand with an Honours degree in Fine Arts.
A multidisciplinary artist, Sichumile primarily works with acrylic paint, fabric, and glass beads.
She combines elements of contemporary African American and South African imagery to create a visual landscape that resonates with women across the Black diaspora. Through carefully curated poses, the figures in her paintings explore and celebrate womanhood, drawing from both personal and collective experiences as a Black woman.
“My art is a citation of Black women and cultural production. I find that we are often a reference point but don’t necessarily get cited for it. By paying homage to Black women, I hope my art serves as a stepping stone toward greater recognition of all that we contribute.”
Her use of beads and fabric further celebrates her cultural heritage, adding texture and dimension to her work. This enhances the viewing experience, encouraging close engagement with her paintings and inviting exploration of the intricate beading styles and techniques.
“Many cultural movements, like pop culture and shweshwe culture, originate in Black communities and are shaped by Black women. I want my work to be a playground for exploring these influences. I also enjoy using my art to examine the dynamic social cultures that women share globally, but from a South African perspective.”
Education
2020–2023: Honours Degree in Fine Arts, University of the Witwatersrand
Art Fairs
2025: Investec Cape Town Art Fair, South Africa
2024: RMB Latitudes Art Fair, Johannesburg, South Africa
ARTIST STATEMENT
My artwork is based on interrogating and examine the human environmental , economical , social and political issues that challenge our world , aiming at unearthing the truth that disadvantage our society.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Fikile Mqhayi was born in Gugulethu township,Cape Town ,South Africa.Fikile graduated in Fine Arts from the Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town in 2011.
He is a confident painter who has developed an idiosyncratic style that many artists take years to achieve. Using oil and acrylic paints, he renders everyday with sensitivity, and human condition with warmth and sympathy.
He currently lives and works in Delft, Cape Town. He has participated in a number of group exhibitions locally and abroad,to mentioning few; solo show -Khayelitsha kapkspunkilaisia,Helsinki,2017, Assemblage, at AVA Gallery Cape Town in 2018. Artworks of Mqhayi are included in the Nando’s Collection through Spier Arts Trust, Sam Hlengethwa’s Collection and Dr Tebogo Makube’s Collection.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I am a German-Luxembourgish artist based in Amsterdam, exploring the intersection of fashion, color, and storytelling. With a background in high-end fashion design—having worked with brands like Louis Vuitton and Karl Lagerfeld—my artistic approach is deeply rooted in craftsmanship, luxury, and narrative.
As a synesthete, I experience a blending of senses, where sounds, emotions, and memories translate into colors. I channel these perceptions into abstract color studies and large-scale gradient works, capturing fleeting sensory moments and offering viewers a glimpse into my chromatic world.
My large-scale mixed-media collages fuse pop culture, fashion, and personal history. By layering newspaper clippings, WhatsApp conversations, and personal notes, I create intricate visual narratives that explore identity, female empowerment, and societal imbalance. While my work is aesthetically striking, I use beauty as a lure—drawing viewers in before revealing deeper, sometimes unsettling messages about the contradictions of modern society. Through bold textual elements, I highlight issues of gender disparity and cultural expectations, using my art as both a statement and an invitation for reflection.
In 2020, I introduced my signature Löwie, symbolizing my independent artistic voice. My time in Mexico City at 16 shaped my fearless use of color and deepened my appreciation for strong female artists like Frida Kahlo.
In 2024, I held two solo exhibitions in Amsterdam, marking a new chapter in my career as I continue pushing artistic boundaries—inviting viewers into a layered world of color, narrative, and meaning.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Laura Stöckl is a German-Luxembourgish artist currently based in Amsterdam. She has an extensive background in high-end fashion design, having worked with renowned brands such as Louis Vuitton, Karl Lagerfeld, Matthew Williamson, and Liebeskind Berlin.
For over 12 years, Laura has been selling her art, but in recent years, she has shifted her focus toward fully embracing her own artistic vision. Her distinctive style—a fusion of fashion and art—centers on color, form, and the conceptual reinvention of materials.
As a synesthete, Laura perceives music and moments through color, adding a vibrant and immersive dimension to her work. She explores this unique sensory experience through abstract color studies on paper, as well as large-scale gradient pieces on 3D-edged canvases.
In her large-scale pop culture and collage-style works, Laura intertwines personal storytelling with themes from fashion, art, and her own life experiences. Her meticulous attention to detail results in layered narratives composed of personal notes, WhatsApp conversation screenshots, and carefully curated newspaper clippings, each element chosen to enrich the meaning of the piece.
In 2020, Laura introduced her signature Löwie, derived from the German word for “lioness”—a childhood nickname that has since become a powerful symbol of her artistic identity. Löwie represents her inner artist breaking free, serving as a distinctive and empowering hallmark of her creative journey.
Education & Exhibitions:
2010–2013 – Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design, London
2015–2016 – Master of Arts in Luxury Accessories Design, Paris
2024 – Two solo exhibitions in Amsterdam (February–April and July–August)
ARTIST STATEMENT
Suits and Ties
This story sparked a global social movement in which servants began dressing like their masters, embracing unique styles and fashion to challenge colonial superiority. From this emerged Les Sapeurs, a powerful political symbol and ideology that continues to resonate worldwide.
Art and fashion share a deep connection. Artistic expression extends far beyond the paintbrush; through the colors and styles we choose, we alleviate daily struggles and become beacons of joy within our communities. As they say, “The way you dress says a lot about your personality,” but often, the choices we make in clothing reflect not just who we are, but also the emotions we wish to hide from the world.
As a young boy growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, I was surrounded by the vibrancy of fashion and art. My community often held celebrations rich with high fashion—expressions of resilience and identity amid life’s challenges. Their message was clear: while emotions might not always be visible, the stories told through clothing were profound. These experiences inspired me to delve deeper into the people and meanings behind this cultural movement.
Despite their expensive attire, the Sapeurs are not wealthy men. They are everyday Congolese—taxi drivers, farmers, carpenters—who cultivate beauty and individuality through their striking dress as part of a nuanced cultural and political statement. Although the tradition of dandies in the Congo dates back to the era of the slave trade and colonial rule under France and Belgium, La Sape gained new momentum in the 1970s, championed by musician Papa Wemba in Kinshasa. He emphasized the elegance of dress for all Congolese men, transcending social and economic divides.
This collection stems from two central themes: personality and humanity. Personality involves embracing individuality while also finding common ground with others. It is the unique gift of being yourself, undeterred by life’s challenges or hardships. With this collection, I use ties, shapes, forms, emotions, and behaviors to transport you from one world to another, inviting you to explore the stories of culture, resilience, and expression woven into each piece.
