Tyrrel Thaysen (b. 1969) is a mixed-media, multidisciplinary artist from Belvedere, Knysna, whose work is deeply rooted in his heritage as a descendant of farmworkers in apartheid South Africa. Now based in Cape Town, Thaysen's art is a profound exploration of the self, examining the cyclical patterns of thought and behavior that arise from personal history and coping mechanisms. He frequently represents his family in his work, finding solace and a foundational peace in spirituality.
Thaysen creates complex assemblages, layering materials with an inspiration drawn from Hollywood fashion and celebrity lifestyles. This unexpected juxtaposition stems from an upbringing where a pristine physical appearance was emphasized as a key to success. His portraiture reflects this internal narrative; the figures appear to have weathered numerous life events, emerging wiser and more capable.
A graduate of the Michaelis School of Fine Art with a diploma in Fine Art and a major in sculpture, Thaysen's talent was recognized early when he won a national drawing competition at the AVA Gallery. His career is marked by prestigious awards, including the Montague White bursary and the Vermont Studio Center Triangle Arts Residency fellowship. He has been a frequent participant in Thupelo workshops worldwide, a three-time finalist at the Brett Kebble Art Awards, and an artist-in-residence at Greatmore Studios.
Thaysen has held two solo exhibitions at the AVA Gallery and currently has work on loan at the Zeitz MOCAA Museum. He is represented in corporate and private collections both in South Africa and internationally and has worked as a freelance visual artist for the Spier Arts Trust for over seventeen years.
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Tyrrel Thaysen (b. 1969) is a mixed-media, multidisciplinary artist from Belvedere, Knysna, whose work is deeply rooted in his heritage as a descendant of farmworkers in apartheid South Africa. Now based in Cape Town, Thaysen's art is a profound exploration of the self, examining the cyclical patterns of thought and behavior that arise from personal history and coping mechanisms. He frequently represents his family in his work, finding solace and a foundational peace in spirituality.
Thaysen creates complex assemblages, layering materials with an inspiration drawn from Hollywood fashion and celebrity lifestyles. This unexpected juxtaposition stems from an upbringing where a pristine physical appearance was emphasized as a key to success. His portraiture reflects this internal narrative; the figures appear to have weathered numerous life events, emerging wiser and more capable.
A graduate of the Michaelis School of Fine Art with a diploma in Fine Art and a major in sculpture, Thaysen's talent was recognized early when he won a national drawing competition at the AVA Gallery. His career is marked by prestigious awards, including the Montague White bursary and the Vermont Studio Center Triangle Arts Residency fellowship. He has been a frequent participant in Thupelo workshops worldwide, a three-time finalist at the Brett Kebble Art Awards, and an artist-in-residence at Greatmore Studios.
Thaysen has held two solo exhibitions at the AVA Gallery and currently has work on loan at the Zeitz MOCAA Museum. He is represented in corporate and private collections both in South Africa and internationally and has worked as a freelance visual artist for the Spier Arts Trust for over seventeen years.
