ANNAMIEKE ENGELBRECHT

During her university years, Engelbrecht confronted her discomfort with being in front of the camera by embracing her introverted nature. This exploration manifested in a series of self-portraits where she employed diverse mediums such as painting, photography, and video. These works were inspired by internet personalities across a wide range of online platforms. Currently based in her studio in Cape Town, Engelbrecht primarily works with oil paints and sculpture. What initially sparked her interest in society’s online presence has evolved into a profound exploration of the interconnection between outer space and our daily lives on Earth. Her artwork revolves around the impact of internet culture and the pervasive influence of social media on our existence. Drawing inspiration from astronomy, Engelbrecht observes and analyses celestial objects and the overall structure of the universe. Through the traditional medium of oil painting, she seeks to envision the future of art, resulting in an explosion of abstract chaos. Engelbrecht’s fascination with the cosmos intensified as she observed her peers on social media navigating through traditional life milestones such as engagements, marriages, house purchases, and parenthood. As she found herself deviating from these expected paths, she felt like an extraterrestrial presence on Earth, striving to conform to human norms while feeling distinctly out of sync. By juxtaposing her personal uncertainties against the vast canvas of the universe, her work explores the realisation that our worries and societal norms are minuscule in the grand scheme of things. This realisation has brought her a deep contentment that transcends the trivial concerns of earthly existence. The exploration of celestial objects and the structure of the universe is intricately woven into her artistic journey.

Text courtesy Christopher Moller Gallery.