Robyn Pretorius
Robyn Pretorius’s portraiture explores likeness, visual interpretation and storytelling. The aim of her work is to convey a celebration of diversity and identity. Inspired by different personalities that surround her, her creative process employs experimentation with a range of mixed media to express a more visual interpretation of the muse and the unique stories these encounters bring. Central to this process is the realistic rendering of the human form in acrylics or oils infused with contemporary motifs. Her portraiture is driven by the belief that the more we celebrate different experiences, the more we are able to feel connected. The ethos of her work is encapsulated by the quote “Art exists so that we know we are not alone”.
Born in Belhar, Cape Town, Pretorius started her art journey at a young age but only after a career shift committed herself to become a full-time artist. A portrait of Muhammed Ali was commissioned by the South African Mint. She was awarded “Artist of the Month” by Radisson Red, Cape Town which opened up new opportunities and was selected for the top 100 portraits in the Sanlam Portrait Awards in 2017. She’s collaborated with several local brands and attended her first residency at Glo’art in Belgium (2018). Pretorius has participated in numerous group exhibitions locally and abroad - her most recent in 2020 with Knoop/Knot: Louis & Friends, GUS, Gallery University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town.
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