RARE FORM
The one-of-a-kind vessels that Karlien van Rooyen sculpts out of clay are an expression of her deep connection with the natural environment. She grew up in Kommetjie, and moved with her family to Australia when she was 16. She started studying medicine but switched to art, and then was involved in environmental activism for six years. After completing her degree in contemporary art, Karlien moved back to South Africa in 2019. She says it took her all those years of living abroad to realise there’s a visual language – a kind of textural braille – in the fabric of life in South Africa that she cannot live without.
A collection of her vessels is currently on display at LIM furniture store in Kloof Street, Cape Town. Or check out (and buy) her work on Instagram: @karlien_vanrooyen
