Bastiaan van Stenis was born in 1981 in South Africa. He is a descendant of the renowned 19th Century English painter John Thomas Baines. Primarily a self taught artist. His unique style reflects his passion for art and his diverse life experciences. In his own words, “What drives me is the proces, the creating, and the creation itself is just another stop on the way”.

Growing up in South Africa, van Stenis was deeply influenced by the vibrant colord and textures of his surroundings. He was drawn to the beauty of nature, and his early works were inspired by the landscapes and wildlife of his homeland. He also had a fascination with the human form, and this interest is reflected in many of his works.

Bastiaan began his professional career as an artist in the early 2000’s, and since then, he has has numerous exhibitions both in South Africa and internationally. He has lived and worked in Europe for several years, and his experiences there have further influenced his artistic style.

His works are characterized by their bold use of color, texture and form. His paintings often depict abstract landscapes, which are created by layering various colors and textures to evoke a sense of depth and movement.

Bastiaan remains committed to his craft, and he continues to experiment with new materials and techniques. He is driven by a desire to create art that is both visually stunning and emotionally evocative, and he strives to connect with his audience on a deep and meaningful level.

Bastiaan’s works are a testament to his unique vision and creativity. His ability to blend the natural beauty of his homeland with the diverse cultures of Europe has resulted in a body of work that is both captivating and inspiring.

His works become a personal narrative of growing up and surviving as an individual in the complexities of social codes, expectations and definitions of being. Bastiaan challenges this as the depicts seemingly mundane moments with feelings of simultaneously imploding and exploding – we become what we gather and experience. We carry memories like marks that define us. We collect emotions and they shape our form. Our permanence is found with the smears that share chosen identities. We embrace the classicism of artistry, the modernity of texture, the protest of neo-expressionism and the possibility of more in this style that lies beyond definition.

Bastiaan currently works and resides in the Overberg, South Africa.

As he continues to push the boundaries of his craft, he is sure to make an even greater impact on the art world in the years to come.