Juanita Oosthuizen

“To be creative – not only in artistic expression, but also in daily life – this has always been my passion”.

“A chance encounter many years ago in the Tate Modern in London triggered my current choice of artistic medium. That day, I came across a tiny artwork in a vast, empty hall with a tiny figure as subject. It immediately appealed to my love of delicate minimalism. Today, I am inspired to come up with creative ways to incorporate miniature figurines into works of art – placing them in a carefully planned scenario fashioned from board and paper. This is mounted in a box frame to create a 3D environment. I work mostly in black, white and grey, sometimes introducing a smattering of colour to create an element of surprise. 

When I compose a piece, I am instinctively drawn to depict something surreal, wistful, pensive and sometimes playful. At times, I use old photographs as a backdrop to the figurines, to create an element of nostalgia and tender memory. Clients have also on occasion, asked me to create a piece that depicts a fond memory from their own past. My work varies from playful to serious and emotional, with the subject matter telling a story through body language or interaction of the figurines. I create a space for the spectator to make his or her own interpretation. I find inspiration everywhere – in nature, in daily life, in the city, in books on illustration, photography and design. I am blessed with an abundance of energy and an overactive imagination. Images constantly tumble into consciousness, and the days, weeks and months often feel simply too short for all I still wish to accomplish.”