Corné Eksteen, born in Zastron, Free State in 1973, is a contemporary visual artist whose remarkable talent, technique, and evolving style have positioned him as a respected figure on both the South African and international art scenes. After pursuing a BA in Fine Art at the University of Pretoria and the University of South Africa, Eksteen’s early professional years in creative industries such as menswear design, interior decorating, and digital design deeply informed his artistic vision, enriching the layers of expression found in his work today.
Since 1996, Corné Eksteen has been actively producing and exhibiting as a full-time visual artist. His practice is rooted in the traditions of both figurative and abstract painting, seamlessly blending these approaches to create works that go beyond mere physical likeness. Eksteen’s portraits are not simply representations of his sitters; they are explorations into the complexities of identity, self-perception, and the fluid, often disjointed nature of the modern psyche.
As Eksteen himself describes, his works attempt to “visually dissect and deconstruct the subject matter in the pursuit of an understanding of the dynamics and transient nature of the 21st-century psyche.” His paintings aim to spark dialogue about personal identity, inviting viewers to reflect on the shifting and fragmented nature of selfhood in contemporary life, and to search for new archetypes fit for the challenges and narratives of the 21st century.
Corné Eksteen’s creative process is both meticulous and innovative. Each artwork begins with multiple sessions with the sitter, followed by the digital manipulation of reference materials. From there, the painting phase involves experimental techniques that play with contrasts—balancing transparency with opacity, darkness with light, and controlled precision with expressive spontaneity. Though seemingly minimalistic at first glance, Eksteen’s works confront viewers with a raw emotional intensity that resonates on multiple levels.
A hallmark of Corné Eksteen’s artistic journey is his constant evolution. He frequently reinvents his portrait style, embarking on new thematic “chapters” that push the boundaries of his own artistic language, keeping his audience engaged and eager for what comes next.
Eksteen’s career is marked by a string of successful solo exhibitions and international acclaim. Since 2018, his works have been prominently featured in The Travelling Art Gallery’s exhibitions across Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich, Palma de Mallorca, and Kitzbuehel, Austria. In Cape Town, Corné Eksteen is proudly represented by The Artists Gallery. His growing recognition and success are a testament to his exceptional artistic vision, technical mastery, and the profound emotional depth that defines his body of work.
