Lisette Forsyth

"I paint to satisfy the need to create. Constantly experimenting with media and subject matter, I am drawn to recycled materials and the stories they carry. Cape Town and its people provide endless contrasts and contradictions, while the beauty of everyday life continues to inspire me. My aim is to share the delight found in the seemingly ordinary." – Lisette Forsyth

Lisette Forsyth is one of South Africa's most distinctive contemporary artists, known for her evocative mixed-media works created on reclaimed and historically significant surfaces. Drawing inspiration from the people, places and stories that surround her, she transforms discarded materials into artworks that celebrate both the beauty and complexity of everyday life.

Working on vintage maps, historic newspapers, government gazettes, architectural plans, reclaimed timber and other found materials, Forsyth allows the surface itself to become an integral part of the narrative. Each carefully selected substrate contributes its own history, creating a rich dialogue between subject and medium that rewards repeated viewing.

Originally trained in graphic design and printmaking, Forsyth combines technical skill with a highly intuitive creative process. Her artworks often depict moments of human connection, quiet observation and shared experience, capturing the nuances of contemporary South African life with warmth, humour and empathy. While immediately accessible, her works frequently reveal deeper layers of social, historical and environmental meaning.

Gallery Notes:

Lisette Forsyth's work is highly sought after by collectors for its distinctive combination of storytelling, craftsmanship and originality. Working on vintage maps, historic newspapers, reclaimed timber and other found materials, she creates artworks in which the surface itself becomes part of the narrative, ensuring that each piece is truly unique.

Her observations of everyday life are at once accessible and thought-provoking, balancing warmth and humour with deeper reflections on history, place and human connection. Combined with a strong exhibition history, a loyal collector base and carefully controlled output, these qualities have established Forsyth as one of South Africa's most collectible contemporary artists.

This handpicked selection of Lisette Forsyth's artworks are available to view by appointment at the Stanford Stockroom.