Works in Show
To be Updated After the Opening Ceremony
Artist Biography
Originally from South Africa, Mariska immigrated to New Zealand 17 years ago with her husband and two children. After years of transition, the family has recently settled in the stunning Bay of Plenty region, where she now creates from her home studio in the beautiful coastal area of Ōhope. Surrounded by the serene beauty of Ōhope Beach and Ōhiwa Harbour, her practice thrives in this inspiring environment of sun-drenched shores and natural tranquility.
Artist Statement
Mariska is a full-time ceramic sculptor whose work delves deeply into the expressive power of the human form and its imperfections. Fascinated by the stories etched into every face, she captures fleeting emotions—fear, despair, love, hope, anxiety, and dreams—through subtle shifts in expression, the delicate lines around the eyes, and the transformative curve of a mouth. Her sculptures serve as mirrors for the viewer, inviting personal identification and emotional resonance, while drawing directly from her own lived experiences and inner world. Through clay, Mariska transforms vulnerability into tangible form, crafting pieces that speak to the shared humanity we all carry. Her work is a quiet celebration of emotion made visible.
Fragility 6
Mariska de Jager
Artist
