Introducing the Modern Artists Association
Welcome to the Modern Artists Association, the home of some of the most innovative and exciting artists of our time. We will take you on a journey through the works of five incredible artists, ranging from bold abstract expressionism to stunning photorealism.
Overview of the Modern Artists Association
The Mission
Our goal is to promote and support modern art on a global scale and to encourage artists to explore new and innovative approaches in their work.
The Vision
We believe in the power of art to change lives, challenge perceptions, and foster dialogue. We strive to create a world that celebrates creativity and self-expression.
The Values
We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering diversity and inclusivity, and promoting the importance of artistic expression for both individuals and society as a whole.。
Artist 1: Anushka Kempken
Background
Anushka Kempken is a South African / German artist and holds an Honours degree in Fine Art. She has exhibited across South Africa,as well as at the Venice Biennale. Her artworks are represented in prominent collections across the USA, Europe and South Africa
Works & Influences
Anushka Kempken’s paper weaving is a true testament to the power of art to capture the essence of the natural world. Through her art, Kempken explores different ways of manipulating surface materials through weaving techniques, creating ambiguity and depth that encourages the viewer to take notice of the fleeting beauty found in everyday moments. Her work reminds us that even the most seemingly mundane experiences can be transformed into something extraordinary f we take the time to appreciate them.
Artist 2: André François van Vuuren
Background
From his early days as one of the pioneering students at the Visual Arts Research Centre in Johannesburg under George Boys, André François van Vuuren has explored a freeform mode of self-expression in a vibrant and active environment. His visceral expressionist style features a blend of figurative and abstract elements that become apparent upon prolonged examination of his intricate subject matter. This rewards engaged viewers with a deeper and more enriching experience. Inspired by his travels in Germany, Russia, Tuscany, Zanzibar, and most recently India, he has cultivated a commanding and impactful mastery of line, imagery, and color.
Over the years, he has exhibited extensively, with his work showcased in leading galleries in South Africa and Europe. Recently, he celebrated his fiftieth solo exhibition in Johannesburg.
Works
In the vibrancy of their imagery, color, and texture, his paintings reflect energy and raw power. They confront the viewer with visions that unsettle, intrigue, and challenge. The vigorous application of paint, whether with a brush or knife, creates a three-dimensional surface that breaks free from the confines of flat color, actively extending out to engage and immerse the spectator in their space.
Artist 3: Henk Serfontein
Background
Henk Serfontein is an award-winning South-African artist and has participated in numerous curated exhibitions and presented 12 solo exhibitions in his career. His work has received widespread acclaim and he was the winner of numerous art competitions, including the prestigious New Signitures Award. He holds a degree in Fine Art, has lectured on tertiary level and is also published widely. His work is represented in many prominent public collections internationally, including The University of Pretoria, Rand Merchant Bank and Cité Internationale des Arts.
Works & Influences
In Henk Serfontein’s work investigates the fragile, the intimate and the ethereal. In his artworks, he captures his subject matter with a microscopic eye, in minute detail. It lends gravitas, dignity and grace to the sitter, and is imbued with compassion and curiosity. His work is submerged in the poetry of light and shadow, but his vision is acute and goes beyond the photo realistic. It zooms in on the underlying chaos and astonishing beauty. Every mark and every erasure acts as a poetic investigation.
Artist 4: Mark Hilltout
Background
Mark Hilltout was born in England in 1948 and later graduated from Birmingham Art College. He has lived in Johannesburg, Hong Kong, Toronto, New York, Brussels and Madagascar and has run advertising agencies on 4 continents. When back in Cape Town, he designed and funded two photographic books, both on football in Africa.
Works
Corrugated iron – to the conventional eye, this is seen as a shelter for those with limited means, serving as a stark reminder of global inequality. However, almost two centuries after its invention, it remains indispensable. To Mark, it embodies all of those associations, but it also possesses an endless complexity and a glorious tarnish. Weathered by the sun, battered by wind and rain, each sheet bears the marks of thousands of both fortunate and unfortunate events, making it the perfect yet imperfect material. Using this material as his medium, Mark intricately weaves together fragments of flattened metal to craft beautiful and truly unique pieces of art.
Background
Maico Camilo is a Brazilian-born artist who has traveled extensively. He is currently based in New Zealand, with his artworks featured in several prominent collections in Brazil, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Tokyo, the USA, and throughout Europe.
Works & Influences
Maico’s artworks are distinctive for their oversized scale and rich texture and color:
“I work on unplanned subjects, elements, emotions, and life experiences that belong to my subconscious. These subjects are related to or have related to my personal or explored life, encompassing our notions of past, present, and future life. My focus revolves around the exploration of human emotions; hence, the journey begins from a place of the unknown.”
Artist 5: Maico Camilo
Artist 6: Azael Langa
Background
Azael Langa is a fine artist and sculptor, born in Johannesburg, South Africa 1988. A practitioner of the artistic technique of fumage, Langa uses different types of smoke on canvas or paper to portray various scenarios that take place within his community. Langa is rated at one South Africa emerging young talents. He has exhibited in The USA, UK, Switzerland, South Africa, Namibia
Works
“Smoke is not just a medium, but an extension & expression of my soul. It allows me to see beyond the physical” Azael Langa.
Inspiration
Langa’s works often explores pertinent social issues such as exclusion and exploitation, as well as the dualism which exists between the individual and society
Artist 7: Nicolas Lehmann
Background
Nicolas Lehmann, is a Contemporary multi-discipline Designer, Sculptor, Manufacturer. Born in South Africa from German parents in 1970.
After studying mechanical engineering, he opened his own studios & foundry in 1994 in Cape town and 2021 in South of France.
Works & Influences
Lehmann’s body of work are defined by his capability to master the five elements.
“Raw, Art Brut”.
His works have been acquired by both prominent art collectors, public spaces and the commercial sectors across the globe.
Inspiration
Fascinated by Oceans, Nature and People his body of works captures the essence of the emotions, movement, a moment in time. Lehmann’s primary materials are up-cycled mediums such as Steel, Bronze, Glass, Wood.
