Original Art by Contemporary South African Artists
Whether wild or domestic, animals have inspired artists for centuries. Some artists are captivated by the quiet intelligence of a horse, the curiosity of a garden bird or the intricate symmetry of a butterfly's wings. Others explore the symbolic meanings we attach to animals, using them to tell stories about memory, resilience, freedom or our relationship with the natural world.
This diversity is reflected throughout the StateoftheART collection. From expressive equine studies and intimate wildlife portraits to finely detailed insect etchings and playful observations of everyday animals, these works celebrate the many ways animals enrich our lives. Rather than simply recording what they see, our artists encourage us to slow down, observe more carefully and rediscover the wonder of the creatures that surround us.
Animals have appeared in art for thousands of years, but contemporary artists are finding new ways to tell their stories. Some are fascinated by anatomy and detail. Others explore movement, memory or symbolism. A bird may represent hope or freedom. An insect reveals remarkable geometry. A horse speaks of energy and companionship. The result is a collection that moves beyond traditional wildlife illustration, offering thoughtful contemporary artworks that celebrate both the beauty of nature and our connection to it.
Grace KotzeGrace Kotze finds wonder in the everyday. Whether painting a curious dassie basking on sun-warmed rocks, birds gathered in quiet conversation or a still life that hints at the changing seasons, her work invites us to pause and appreciate the small moments that often pass unnoticed.
Working in acrylic, Kotze balances careful observation with a playful sense of colour and composition. Her paintings have an unmistakable warmth that makes them feel both familiar and quietly uplifting, celebrating the animals that share our gardens, coastlines and landscapes.
Kendall-Leigh Nash Kendall-Leigh Nash approaches wildlife with extraordinary patience. Working almost exclusively in graphite, she creates highly detailed drawings that celebrate the remarkable complexity of the natural world. Every feather, whisker and fold of skin is built gradually through thousands of carefully placed marks, revealing not only the physical beauty of her subjects but also their quiet presence.
Whether depicting birds, marine life or endangered wildlife, her drawings encourage us to look more closely. They are as much about conservation and connection as they are about technical excellence.
Pascale ChandlerMovement lies at the heart of Pascale Chandler's work. Best known for her expressive equine paintings and drawings, Chandler captures the strength, elegance and rhythm of horses with remarkable economy of line. Rather than describing every detail, she conveys energy and emotion through fluid mark-making that feels spontaneous yet deeply considered.
Her work reminds us that animals are never truly still. Even in moments of rest, there is a sense of life waiting to unfold.
Andie RodwellFor Andie Rodwell, even the smallest creatures deserve our attention. Working primarily in etching, she is drawn to the intricate beauty of insects and the remarkable patterns found throughout the natural world. Every line is carefully considered, allowing texture, structure and delicate detail to emerge through the printmaking process. Rather than presenting insects as scientific specimens, Rodwell reveals their quiet elegance and importance within the wider ecosystem. Beetles, moths and other small creatures become compelling subjects in their own right, encouraging us to appreciate the extraordinary complexity that exists in nature's smallest forms.
Her finely crafted prints reward close observation, offering collectors works that balance technical precision with a genuine sense of curiosity and wonder.
Explore our collection of original animal art, including wildlife, birds, insects and domestic animals, through paintings, graphite drawings, etchings and mixed-media works by Grace Kotze, Kendall-Leigh Nash, Pascale Chandler, Andie Rodwell,
Balekane Legoabe and other contemporary South African artists.