Art Exhibitions

10 March 2023

Celeste von Solms & Liebner-Anthony van Zyl

Celeste von Solms: "I ponder about the human tendency to categorize everything, including what is considered beautiful in terms of the body. The notion of a "perfect body" is unrealistic, but I believe every person's body is unique and beautiful in its own way.

 

Through my art, I express this belief by creating detailed drawings of the human form. My focus on the body is evident in my use of pencil on textured paper with an open background.

 

I aim to challenge and abolish societal standards and prejudice against bodies, race, and gender through my art. Using pencil allows me to highlight the intricate details of the human form, while eliminating the use of colour further emphasizes my message.

 

My ultimate goal is to create beautiful art that celebrates the inherent perfection of all humans."

 

 

Celeste von Solms was born in Sasolburg, South Africa in June 1988. She attended school in Richards Bay and graduated in 2006. Having always had a love for the arts, she pursued her passion and obtained her National Diploma in Fine Art from the Tshwane University of Technology in 2010.

 

Since then, Von Solms has been creating and selling her works for private commissions, crafting trophies, completing an art project for the company Nativa (Pty) Ltd, and selling her artwork at various auctions. In addition, she has participated in over 27 group exhibitions since 2011.

 

 

Liebner-Anthony van Zyl: "As I sit in my studio, surrounded by my paintings and drawings, I can't help but reflect on the beauty of everyday life. The simple moments that often go unnoticed, like a mother and child walking hand in hand, or the way the sunlight filters through the trees on a lazy afternoon.

 

I've always been drawn to the raw, exposed instincts that make us human. The way we move and interact with the world around us, and I want to capture these moments in my artwork. Through my expressionistic style, I've aimed to depict the wholesomeness of ordinary objects, and the way they connect us all.

 

I've always been fascinated by the concept of love and how it shapes our lives. Love for our kin, love for our body, love for our partners, love for our work, and above all, love for our self. It's a driving force that pushes us to excel and prosper, and it's what I've tried to convey in my art.

 

My sketches are elaborate and detail-oriented, with a focus on capturing the fleeting moments of life. The lack of colour is a deliberate choice, as I believe it represents how all living souls are. Each live soul has the same set of raw, exposed instincts, and inclinations just like any other. 

 

I want my art to be a reminder that life is more than just the big moments. It's the small, everyday moments that make up the tapestry of our lives. And it's my hope that through my art, people will find peace and tranquillity in the soul, and be reminded of the beauty in the simple things."

 

 

Fine artist and illustrator, Liebner-Anthony van Zyl, was born in 1985 in Potchefstroom, South Africa. He completed his studies in Fine Arts at Tshwane University of Technology, Fine Arts Campus in 2011. From 2008 to present he has participated in 37 exhibitions, including a celebrity exhibition with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

 

Liebner-Anthony van Zyl has also participated in five international group exhibitions and he has had auction sales with auction results from 2020 to present.

 

Van Zyl has been a local finalist in art competitions at the Artlovers 1932 gallery in South Africa and an international finalist in art competitions such as the BP Portrait Award. He is also the winner of the Old Masters Academy by most public votes in the UK.

 

Van Zyl has a contemporary approach, with moving works that leave an impression of poetry. 

LONGSTREET ART LOVERS 1932