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Jessica Michelle Le Roux - The Homelands Series


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Jessica Michelle Le Roux, (born 1989, Nylstroom, South Africa). Le Roux is intrigued by the visual dialogue and influence of art within society which naturally directed her studies. Le Roux obtained my BA in Fine & Applied Arts from the Tshwane University of Technology in 2011, majoring in sculpture and printed image.

I practice in sculpture and layered mixed media techniques, often shaping a relationship between two- and three-dimensional facets. These methods share the properties of direct manipulation yet retain delicacy and provide room for a dialogue between the ideas of suspension, shelter and progression. Many of my depictions deal with trying to represent archetypes of human emotion and existence, which is being experienced in a new manner. My work is a celebration of knowing that we as unique individuals make up us as a nation, the land and what we have come to know as home is celebrated by depicting realities of the (home)land we share. 

I have an enduring fascination with the definition of a matrix; the secondary pictures in my layered works often show how we would form if the details of the primary image would reform with greater coherence. Postmodern society has created a new sense of collective identity for us, a new version of the idea of a cultural melting pot introducing the element of choice. Within this, we have the opportunity to choose who we are and what aspects we will adopt into world views to pass on to the next generation. The delicate, intricately woven social fabric of a diverse society is something that I often try to express by incorporating motifs. My figures are often bedecked in cloth that embodies multiple aspects of identity.  The silhouette often appears in my work: figures engaged in whimsical activities like making and flying kites express something of my optimism that the human spirit, our sense of belonging and our capacity for appreciating beauty can override the difficulties we face as a society.

I explore the journey of knowledge by depicting scopes of reality in the quiet, thoughtful spaces of the mind. My work deals with human presence and experience, as it is influenced by one’s geographical placement. The ripple effects of human action and interaction is a great part of my work as I seek to express moments of contact. I often consider the body as a bag for emotions which have been crafted through storytelling and developed through experiences. I seek to capture impressions which provide a reflection on one’s preconceived ideas. I wish to challenge thought patterns by sharing my visual dictionary and triggers with you.  


Exhibition Opening: Friday 13 December at 6pm

Exhibition open daily

Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm

Saturday: 10am - 1pm

Sunday and Public holidays closed.*

* Special Festive Openings: Sunday 15 and Monday 16 December, from 10am - 5pm.

Earlier Event: 21 November
Maurice Mbikayi - AVA Alumni 2019
Later Event: 13 December
Nando's Creative Exchange - Home