Alecia van Rooyen

Alecia van Rooyen is currently a 4th year art student at Tshwane University of Technology.
This was one of her 3rd year works.
She photographs the human body from strange perspectives, then creates these incredible oil paintings on canvas.
Alecia van Rooyen
Artist’s statement:
The body is not simple. The body tells your life story, your triumphs and mistakes by the scars you wear. Every human body is unique, in colour, texture and over-all identity. This is what I am exploring with my art. I paint each body without an identity as life is a journey in finding oneself. This journey involves exploring sexuality, opinion and expression through experimentation.

The human body is a complex form with lumps and dips either highlighting features or casting shadows. These highlights and shadows create infinite ranges of colours to be explored. The mixing of colour and application thereof offers therapeutic stimulation. The human body is a magnificent form with endless inspiration.

When photographing the body, I make use of strange perspectives to create eerie and unnerving compositions. We as humans are drawn to the strange as we have a never-ending need to consume information. This is the reason for the unique creatures I display on canvas. The ominous feeling surrounding the imagery aims to create anxiety which is an issue I struggle with daily and is one of the main themes of my work.