Bio
Art by Anchen
Current Portfolio
'Shifting Skies'
Acrylic on canvas
H 122 cm W 183 cm
'Shifting Skies'
As an artist, I strive to capture the fleeting and ever-changing nature of the world around us. My latest piece, created with acrylics on canvas, is a reflection of the shifting skies that I have observed. From the serene beauty of pink sunsets to the looming darkness of stormy blues and greys, I have sought to capture the feeling of anticipation that comes with impending change.
To bring this vision to life, I utilized a range of techniques to create texture and movement on the canvas. Layering different colors and hues allowed me to create depth and complexity, whilst hand painting and carefully controlled movements added a sense of dynamism to the piece. I also incorporated scratching as a mark making technique, which allowed me to add further layers of depth and detail to the painting.
Overall, this piece is a celebration of movement and color. Its large size and dynamic composition invite the viewer to immerse themselves in its shifting skies and ever-changing atmosphere. Through my art, I aim to convey the beauty and complexity of the world around us, and to encourage others to pause and appreciate the fleeting moments of beauty that we so often take for granted.
'The Earth will Yield its Gold'
Acrylic on canvas
H 122 cm W 183 cm
'The Earth Will Yield Its Gold'
My abstract painting, titled “The Earth will Yield its Gold”, explores the profound connection we can forge with the timeless essence of the land. It invites us to honour our deep-rooted connection with the earth—a connection that is both ancient and inherently human.
In this artwork, I utilise bold, sweeping brushstrokes in burnt ambers, blacks, greys, and raw sienna to capture the fundamental colours of the earth. The emergence of gold within this expansive composition symbolises the latent promises concealed within the land.
This piece encapsulates movement, symbolising the earth’s perpetual evolution and its rhythmic, breathing existence. It stands as a tribute to those who dwelled in ancient times, acknowledging their enduring presence and the profound impact they left upon the land. The land, in turn, carries their memories, preserving the echoes of their labor, tears, and occupation.
In our contemporary existence, we pay homage to the ancient pathways and the age-old songs, recognising that the land retains these memories. The overarching theme of “The Earth will Yield its Gold” serves as a poignant reminder of the timeless bond we share with the earth. By acknowledging the sacrifices of those who came before us, we can unearth the golden promises that lie beneath the surface, even in times that may seem long and barren.
'Golden Harvest: Unveiling the Beauty and Toil of Glory'
Acrylic on canvas
H 100 cm W 150 cm
'Golden Harvest: Unveiling the Beauty and Toil of Glory'
In my upscaled artwork, I’ve sculpted a multi-layered masterpiece infused with captivating textures and adorned with glistening gold accents. This piece comes to life under the warm embrace of sunlight, depicting the glory of light and sunshine that ushers in the bountiful harvest season, nourishing not only our bodies but also our souls. Yet, it’s within the intricacies of texture that the unseen toil of preparing the harvest unfolds, reminding us of the dedication and hard work hidden beneath the surface, an essential part of the cycle that brings sustenance and fulfillment to our lives.
Art For social Change
‘In Her Shoes’ 2014
Tribute to the 1956 Woman’s March in Pretoria, South Africa.
Blue Planet Gallery
‘Lost and Found’ 2015
A tribute to the generation left behind, whose families where forcibly removed from their heritage in District 6.
Blue Planet Gallery & Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
The story behind the story
Anchen’s journey began in Bloemfontein, known as the ‘Fountain of Flowers’ and the final resting place of British-born war activist Emily Hobhouse, who serves as an enduring source of inspiration. Anchen’s commitment to advocating for the rights of women and children, especially in challenging circumstances, can be traced back to her upbringing on a South African farm during apartheid. Her parents instilled in her the belief that every individual deserves the right to live freely on their own land. This belief took her on a transformative path, eventually leading her to meet her husband in the dusty roads of an African refugee informal settlement called Freedom Park.
In 2015, the couple returned from Lesvos, Greece, deeply affected by their experience witnessing the onset of the Syrian Refugee crisis. This experience became a turning point, igniting their shared passion for utilizing art for change. Upon their return to South Africa, they founded a non-profit organisation dedicated to using art as a catalyst of change and empowerment to shed light on societal injustices, with a particular focus on marginalised women and children. Anchen’s compassionate work spans over two decades, taking her to diverse locations, from African refugee camps to the heart of Cape Town’s District 6.
A tribute to the generation left behind, whose families were forcibly removed from District 6.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
'Lost and Found'
Acrylic on canvas
H 200 cm W 200 cm
Early work
'Lost and Found'
Through this painting, I aim to depict the resilience and strength of a community that has been displaced and marginalized. The little girl in the painting represents the innocent and untainted essence of this community, which has been uprooted and thrown into the “lost and found box of life”.
I have used charcoal, ink and acrylics on canvas to create a figurative impression of the girl, with the intention of capturing her humanity without revealing her actual identity. My approach was to give dignity to her and her community, who were forcefully removed from District 6 in Cape Town, South Africa.
The use of colours in this painting is inspired by the sand and sea in the surrounding coastal area, with a focus on creating a sense of chaos and turmoil. The large brushstrokes symbolize the stormy seas for which the Cape is known.
Ultimately, my hope with this piece is to bring attention to the plight of marginalized communities and to celebrate their resilience in the face of adversity. Through my art, I strive to create a sense of empathy and understanding, and to inspire viewers to take action in support of those who have been unfairly displaced and oppressed.
Tribute to the 1956 Woman’s March in Pretoria, South Africa.
Blue Planet Gallery
'In Her Shoes'
Acrylic on canvas
H 200 cm W 180 cm
Early work
'March of the Matriarch'
Resounds in every land, A thunderous call for freedom, Echoes with a steady hand.
Her footsteps mark the rhythm, Of a path that she has paved, For those who come behind her, To stand tall and be brave.
With each stride she takes, The ground beneath her shakes, And the world stands still, As she forges her way to fulfill.
Her shoes are worn and tattered, But her spirit remains unbroken, For she marches on with purpose, Her voice a mighty token.
So listen closely, can you hear, The sound of her feet on the ground, As the matriarch marches onward, To a future where freedom abounds.
'In Her Shoes'
As the artist behind ‘In Her Shoes,’ my intention was to honor the incredible women who participated in the historic 1956 Woman’s March in Pretoria, South Africa. This painting is a tribute to their bravery and determination in the face of oppression and injustice.
The woman depicted in the painting sits peacefully on a bench with her umbrella, her child beside her, and her shoes out in front of her, symbolizing the struggles of the past that echo into the present. Through this imagery, I wanted to convey the idea that although progress has been made, we must never forget the sacrifices and hard work of those who came before us.
The vibrant and bold colors used in the painting represent the fiery spirit and passion of the women who marched. I wanted to convey their strength and energy through the painting, to inspire viewers to feel a sense of connection and empathy with these brave women.
Through ‘In Her Shoes’, I hope to encourage viewers to step into the shoes of these women, to imagine what it was like to fight for their rights in such a difficult time. The title is a call to empathy, a reminder that we must seek to understand and relate to the experiences of others if we hope to create a more just and equitable world.
Ultimately, ‘In Her Shoes’ is a celebration of the power of collective action, a reminder that we can make a difference when we come together for a common cause. As we continue to fight for justice and equality, we must look to the example set by the women of the 1956 Woman’s March, and strive to carry on their legacy of courage and resilience.
Community
EMpowerment through Art
With extensive experience in pioneering transformative art programs, Anchen empowers marginalized women and children, equipping them with the confidence and skills necessary to excel in the workplace and become community leaders. One of her standout initiatives created a safe haven for a generation left behind, whose families were forcibly uprooted from their heritage in District 6. In this haven, creativity and art played pivotal roles in healing and processing trauma. Local women had the opportunity to exhibit and sell their artwork alongside Anchen and other esteemed artists at the iconic Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, instilling within them a profound sense of restoration, dignity, and unity.
Work of local women, trained in our art program.
Anchen’s commitment to creating a united community through art extends to various organizations, including the Red Cross Children’s Hospital, Pinotage Youth Development Academy, Hillsong Kids Church Leadership, Muizenberg Improvement District, Embrace, and the Blue Planet Gallery. Even after relocating to the UK, her dedication persists as she actively develops support programs for parents with children facing additional needs. Her special focus lies in nurturing their confidence through therapeutic art experiences in green spaces.
Commissions
