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About the artist

Anchen is a contemporary and social activist artist, best known for her work in South Africa, where she has dedicated herself to uplifting artists from marginalised backgrounds. She has been instrumental in supporting women in the arts, forging meaningful partnerships and collaborations that provide opportunities for female artists to thrive. Through mentorship and advocacy, she has helped emerging artists rebuild their lives, enter the art market, and successfully integrate into the art scene. Her passion for art extends beyond her own practice, as she continues to create pathways for others to find their artistic voice and professional success.

Her work has been exhibited in prestigious spaces such as Blue Planet Gallery (South Africa) and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, where she curated her own exhibition alongside marginalised women artists, elevating their work alongside well-established names. She has also collaborated with renowned wine labels in the Garden Route, Cape Town, creating exclusive artwork for premium brands. Beyond her own exhibitions and private collectors, Anchen is recognised not just for securing success for herself, but for opening doors for others. She is a natural networker and passionate collaborator, deeply committed to championing women in the arts and ensuring equal opportunities in the creative industry.

Her art is a bold celebration of color, emotion, and storytelling, deeply inspired by her South African roots and the serene beauty of the British countryside around Delamere Forest, where she now resides. Known for her vibrant and emotive use of colour, her work captures the connection between people, animals, and nature, reflecting the beauty of wildlife, the innocence of children, and the energy of natural landscapes. Through layering, mark-making, and hand-painting techniques, she creates pieces that evoke emotion and tell stories that bridge the divine, nature, and human relationships.

Children, animals, and nature are central themes in her art, symbolising resilience, freedom, and the purity of human expression. She believes in the transformative power of creativity to nurture the inner child, restore communities, and celebrate the beauty found in both people and the wild world. Her work is a fusion of cultural storytelling, emotion, and vibrant energy, honouring the connection between past, present, and future generations.

Anchen has worked with Red Cross Children’s Hospital, Pinotage Youth Development Academy, Muizenberg Improvement District, Embrace, and District 6 communities, and founded Pretty Pride, a non-profit empowering individuals through creative expression. Her extensive experience spans business, non-profit, and academic sectors, where she has helped artists build their careers through workshops, business development programs, and mentorship initiatives.

Her art is not just about self-expression; it is about creating something meaningful and lasting within the lives, communities, and organisations she works with. Whether through private commissions, collaborative projects, or curated exhibitions, Anchen continues to champion the power of art to inspire, connect, and transform.