About The Artist
B I O G R A P H Y : C H A N T A L C O E T Z E E Chantal Coetzee is an artist, speaker and radio presenter, based in Cape Town. She obtained her degree in Fine Art from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in 1987. Since graduating, she has explored the realm of installation art in Amsterdam, street art in London, running various galleries in Cape Town, and participated in numerous exhibitions both locally and abroad. Working collaboratively with fellow artist and curator, Sharon Peers, she co-founded The Seeff Trust Art Gallery and later 3RD i GALLERY, both in Cape Town. Coetzee’s current series of works is her passion project. Painted on gold leaf and canvas, her large paintings are portraits of African Queens that she has meticulously researched. She celebrates their greatness and pointedly speaks to the notion of historical bias and how women’s lives and achievements have been side-lined in favour of European, male-centric perspectives. Expecting to discover a handful of female rulers from our continent’s past, she has been astounded to discover more than 30 (and counting) powerful women who reigned, led their armies into battle, expanded territories, fought slave traders and repelled would-be colonialists. These women are empowering role models to us all, and their stories encourage us to re-examine ourselves, our history, and our place in the world. Concurrently with the research and creation of the paintings, she is determined to share the inspiring life stories of African Queens with the public. In galleries, societies, corporate events, podcast interviews, schools and on radio, she is an enthusiastic speaker, sharing her research regarding these powerful women. Notably, she was interviewed by Prof. Thuli Madonsela on her podcast Women Ready to Lead 2030 (Nov 2022), and interviewed by Rodney Trudgeon on People of Note , Fine Music Radio (March 2024). Coetzee’s African Queen artwork was exhibited in Cotonou, The Republic of Benin, in May 2023, alongside work by South African Nandipha Mntambo and Ishola Akpo of Benin. All three artists deal with Women-centred issues, from different perspectives. Titled “Les femmes célèbrant la liberté dans la démocratie”, (Women Celebrating Liberty in Democracy) the expo formed part of the country’s Freedom Month celebrations. Coetzee’s artwork is also permanently represented in the South African Embassy in The Republic of Benin. As a multi-disciplinary artist, she has utilised various platforms to inspire women in the creative industry and beyond. Through her speaking engagements, she strives to uplift young girls and women to become empowered and courageous, stepping into their inner Queen! Her warmth and charisma allow her to make meaningful connections with those in her ambit, and as a God-loving human, she brings a spirit of compassion and joy to those relationships. Above all, she is a stand for kindness, collaboration and humanity in this world.
E X H I B I T I O N S 2024
2023
2022 - A Monstrous Regiment of Women - 3RD i GALLERY, Cape Town. Solo exhibition 2021 - Sabatacle to research and commence the African Queens Series 2020 - Numerous private commissions, both locally and abroad 2015 - Numerous private commissions, both locally and abroad 2014 - Vintage Cape Town Series created for Cape Diem Lodge, Boutique Hotel in Cape Town 2013 - Vintage Cape Town Series created for Kloof Street House Restaurant, Cape Town 2012 - Commissioned to create public artwork for the Holiday Inn Express Durban, Umhlanga, KwaZulu Natal 2011 - Commissioned to create public artwork for the Holiday Inn Express Sandton, Johannesburg 2010 - Commissioned to create public artwork for the R H Hotel, Pretoria 2008 - Commissioned to create public artwork for the Holiday Inn Express, St. George’s Mall, Cape Town 2007 - Energy and Motion - 3RD i GALLERY, Cape Town. Group exhibition 2006 - Take Heart – 3RD i GALLERY, Cape Town. Solo exhibition 2004 - Under Vatten/Under Water - Fotogalleriet [format], Malmo, Sweden Exhibition of photography by 4 women photographers from 4 different continents 2002
2001
2000 - Spirit in Art - International Convention of World Religions. Good Hope Centre, Cape Town. Group exhibition 1999
1998 - Water Works - Two-artist multi-media exhibition with Gérard Rudolf. The Granary, Cape Town. Part of The Cape Town Month of Photography, 1990 - Beyond Adventures - Collaborative art installations with South African Pieter Van der Walt. Amsterdam and Rotterdam, The Netherlands 1988
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChantandPaint/
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