Yvette Hess is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice moves across painting, drawing, miniature art, clay and text-based conceptual work. After relocating to Ladismith in the Klein Karoo, her work evolved from expressive and abstract painting towards more realistic portraits and Karoo landscapes, while retaining the emotional and intuitive qualities of her earlier work.
Self-portraiture has been an important thread within her practice, providing a way to explore identity, heritage, representation, place and belonging. Her work has also reflected on the relationship between people and the landscapes they inhabit, as well as the narratives we construct about ourselves and navigating this inner landscape.
Alongside her studio practice, Yvette has developed creative products and experiences and has facilitated workshops and community-based creative projects. She is particularly interested in connecting people, ideas and creative possibilities, and in making art and creative practice accessible to a wider audience.
Her recent activities have included co-founding community projects like Kannaland Konnekt, exhibiting at the Klein Karoo Klassiek, facilitating workshops at the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK), and speaking at TEDx. She continues to develop her practice through painting, creative education, collaboration and community engagement, while building connections across the Klein Karoo and Garden Route.
Yvette welcomes commissions and collaborations, including commissioned paintings, creative product development and working with individuals, businesses and organisations to develop creative ideas into tangible projects.
