Artist statement

I primarily work with printmaking and drawing, which are both slow and thoughtful mediums. These mediums allow me to reflect on the value of time and the joy of being fully present in everyday life.

I explore how we spend our time, cherish it, and transform it into something lasting. In my current growing series, In the Grip of Joy, I use dog toys to convey this message. My deep bond with my dog, as well as the beloved dogs who came before, inspires this series. It captures the joy of being together, the simple acts of care we give each other, and how these small moments can transform our lives.

Bio

Bernadette Venter (b. 1986, South Africa) is a contemporary artist and designer living and working in Cape Town. She studied Fine and Applied Arts at Tshwane University of Technology, specialising in printmaking.

Alongside her fine art practice, Bernadette has worked in the creative industry for over a decade as Digital experience designer - bringing a layered understanding of visual language and storytelling to her work, with a refined and thoughtful approach across both digital and traditional mediums.


She has exhibited in both solo and group exhibitions across South Africa, including:

  • 2009 – Sasol New Signatures, Pretoria Art Museum (Finalist, Group Exhibition)

  • 2009 – Group Exhibition, National Cultural History Museum, Pretoria

  • 2009 – Solo Exhibition, Harrie’s Pancakes, Graskop

  • 2011 – Modern Art Projects (MAP), University of Johannesburg Art Gallery (Group Exhibition)

  • 2012 – TUT Alumni Exhibition, Tshwane University of Technology

Bernadette continues to develop her art practice from her home studio in Cape Town.