OKAJ — Jako Pretorius

Artist Statement

My practice explores the intersection of human experience and the fragility of psyche — delving into the relationship between mind, body and soul, often focusing on the shadow aspects of the psyche. My new body of works heavily emphasises cubist-like shapes and fragmented elements, which speak to the colourful and rich diversity of one's psyche.

An inner realm greatly unexplored — unfamiliar in the most familiar ways.

We assume we know ourselves, yet there are parts of ourselves that we actively avoid — corners within our psyche that contain memories we don't want to remember, things we regret saying or doing, faces of people we once loved and lost.

The psyche, and your shadow self — the self that feels the weight of your suppressed memories and emotions — play active roles in our behaviour towards the world outside of us.

These artworks celebrate the psyche, and serve as commentary on my lived experience with faith, addiction, trauma, and victory.