izimbunduna

DorothéeVonDerOsten

Background

Growing up in Europe, I was made to believe that we were privileged and had lots to "give" Africa... But on my first visit to Africa, it "gave" me so much that it changed my perspective for ever.

Soon after, I moved to the Cape - inspired by the beautiful country that surrounds it and the rich cultural mix of peoples. I found a haven where the creative spirit could explore and fly freely. Indeed, Africa has lots to "give!"

In my art and creative projects, I strive to capture more than the rich spectrum of colours in this country... I am inspired and captivated by the deep soul of Africa and its people, their honesty and the wisdom that lies in the seemingly simple ways things are done here - uncluttered and pure beauty, living close to nature, respecting it.

I like to document people, moments in their daily lives, carefully making random "snapshots," that later reflect on the poetry that lies inside the people and their cultural backgrounds. My silent but strong message to all around me is that we have much to learn from Africa.

CV

Born 1971 in Munich, Germany. 

Achieved Diploma as Illustrator/Fine Artist at Freie Kunstschule Seeger, and has worked as a freelance illustrator and fine artist since 1993.

Among others, did illustrations for German political party, Die Gruenen (The Greens),  children's books for Cambridge University Press, advertisements and magazines. 

Has lived permanently in Cape Town, South Africa since 1995.

Had an exhibition at the AVA Metropolitan Gallery, February-March 2001.

Studied photography at the Center for Photography, Cape Town, from 1999 to 2000.

Then joined various workshops held by leading photo-journalists (such as Jodie Bieber). Did freelance photo assignments for advertisements and magazines. Had photos published in Cape Town Tapestries, Touring South Africa (Struik Publishers), and Explorer Golf. 

Worked as stills photographer for American film production, The Red Phone, from February to June 2001.

Illustration spread for South African fashion mag, Fusion.

Stills photography on G3 TV commercial, an Italian production from February 2003.

Principal photographer for Understanding your Dog, Struik Publishers, December to January 2003.

Publications for Advertising 

• South African Breweries Poster, 
• Old Mutual Brochure 

Photography for Magazines

• Baby Gro 2, Cape Media Publishing 
• Baby Gro 3, Cape Media Publishing 
• Photography and artwork for Explore Mag, Autumm 2004 
• Photography for Explore Magazine, winter 2004 
• Photo essay in Leadership Magazine, February 2004
• Photo assignment for German Sued Africa Magazine 

Private commission to do fifteen artworks (oil on canvas) for Game Lodge in Limpopo Province August to October 2004 

• Photography for Oprah magazine SA, October 2004 
• Illustration for Oprah magazine SA, August 2004 
• Photo assignment for Sued Africa magazine, December 2004 and December 2005 
• Illustrations for Oprah, Shape, and Freundin magazines 
• Photography for Glamour, Germany and Glamour SA, October, 2005 

Books published 2006 Teegefluester Ars edition Germany, and Herzbotschaften Ars edition Germany 

Fine art exhibition in Cape Town, Llandudno at the launch of the book, Life of Llandudno,  February 2006 

Five private fine art commissions, February to June 2006

Extended CV, since 2006:

• Art exhibition, Seascapes, at the little church in Arniston, September  2006 
• Art on fashion, launch of  Mambo Jambo at the Design Indaba, February 2007 
• Private art comissions between 2007 and 2008
• Exhibition at the Prinz Albert Gallery, Karoo paintings and embroidered Jackets from 25 to 28 April 2008
• During a trip to Zanzibar in 2006, started a series of paintings entitled The colours of Zanzibar... exhibition to follow soon!