Shaniya in die bos, Berao Piti, Tamoeri, Puloto, Kiwana, Shananan and Twins, Rotuli, Bikowa

After finishing her BA at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, Christa van der Meer continued her studies at The Swedish School of Textiles in Borås, Sweden.

Van der Meer’s work takes inspiration from the folklore and traditional images of other cultures. During an artist residency in Cape Town, South Africa, Van der Meer was confronted by the reality of what she imagined to be an exotic paradise. After witnessing violence and poverty up-close, Van der Meer began investigating the visual qualities of her surroundings in a series of paintings, collages, and fashion sculptures. Her visualisations endeavoured to capture both the beauty and the hardships she witnessed. Drawing, painting, and collage are essential for Van der Meer’s collections; they allow her to create the distinct silhouettes, prints, colours, and proportions to complement the atmosphere she intends. The result of this particular investigation is a selection of collages that inform her forthcoming fashion collection, Ons Bronko Drijf oor die See.