Ilene Bothma

Ilené Bothma (b. 1981, Port-Elizabeth) is a South African artist who holds a BA in Fine Art (with distinction) and an MA in Fine Art from Stellenbosch University, as well as second MA in Fine Art (with distinction) from Northumbria University in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom. Bothma's academic background has significantly influenced her artistic journey, providing a rich foundation and a diverse perspective on contemporary art practices.

Bothma started exhibiting as a student and has consistently participated in group exhibitions since 2000, both locally and internationally. She has held six solo exhibitions and has been a finalist in competitions such as the Sasol New Signatures Competition, the Vuleka Art Competition, and the 2016 Barclays L’Atelier.

Her solo exhibition, Weird Marriage, at the AVA gallery, was praised by the Mail and Guardian as “a beautifully intimate exhibition about the culture of family” (17 May 2013). The role of the mother and the domestic sphere are significant themes in her art practice.

Bothma lives and works in Cape Town with her husband and two children.