Hentie Van Der Merwe

Hentie van der Merwe is an artist based in Darling, where he balances his studio work with product development for Darling Sweet and Swartland Kitchen, brands he co-manages with his partner Frits van Ryneveld. Born in Windhoek, Namibia, van der Merwe holds both a BA and an MA in Fine Arts from the University of the Witwatersrand. He attended the Higher Institute for Fine Arts (HISK) in Antwerp, Belgium, and the prestigious Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine, USA.

Van der Merwe has exhibited his work widely, holding numerous solo exhibitions both in South Africa and internationally. His participation in group exhibitions has also been significant, with some curated by esteemed figures such as Jan Hoet and Okwui Enwezor. His accolades include winning the prize for best visual artist at the BIG Torino 2002 International Biennale of Young Art in Italy, curated by Michelangelo Pistoletto, and receiving the Sasol Wax Art Award in 2008.

Selected Solo Exhibitions:

• 2014: "selfshots," Speke Photographic at CIRCA gallery, Johannesburg
• 2013: "selfshots," AVA, Cape Town
• 2009: "figuring II: Heiseb," Goodman Gallery, Cape Town
• 2008: "figuring," Goodman Gallery, Johannesburg
• 2005: Tim van Laere Gallery, Antwerp
• 2004: Galerie Gabriele Rivet, Cologne
• 2003: Tim Van Laere Gallery, Antwerp; Galerie Gabriele Rivet, Cologne; "Still Life," Goodman Gallery, Johannesburg; Bijlmer Groups, Artoteek Zuidoost, Amsterdam
• 2000: "Trappings," Goodman Gallery, Johannesburg
• 1997: Africus Institute of Contemporary Art, Johannesburg*; National Art Gallery of Namibia, Windhoek

(* indicates catalogue/publication)

Van der Merwe's work explores a variety of themes and mediums, making him a prominent figure in contemporary art both locally and abroad.