Adele Van Heerden

Adele van Heerden (b. 1989) is a painter living and working in Cape Town, South Africa. Her artistic practice is characterized by her use of pastel, pencil, and gouache on drafting film, and it is deeply informed by her experiences of specific sites and places. Van Heerden's recent body of work, titled "Mirror," focuses on the careful observation and study of surface, light, reflection, and fluidity, revealing her interest in the relationships between built environments and natural landscapes.

In her artist statement, Van Heerden expresses her interest in the relationships between built environments, natural landscapes, design, and abstraction versus figuration. She aims to capture moments and give shape to experiences, focusing on urban landscapes, waterscapes, and interior spaces. Recently, her work has expanded into a visual exploration of the interplay between water and light, drawing inspiration from her experiences as a swimmer. Water, which refracts and reflects light, serves as a significant theme in her practice.

The autobiographical component of her work reflects an abstracted narration that she translates through her experiences. This exploration began when she was diagnosed with a hip condition that required surgery and extensive rehabilitation, making swimming an embodied experience that facilitates sensory revelations. Through her art, Adele van Heerden continues to connect deeply with the environments she inhabits and portrays.