Grietjie Lee

Grietjie Lee is an experimental and explorative artist based in Rosendal, South Africa. Lee’s artistic practice is multifaceted, encompassing various mediums and conceptual artworks.
One of the main focuses of Lee’s work is the future and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on human life collectively and individually. Through her art, she investigates the intricacies of human-machine entanglements; perception and states of consciousness; and the tensions between ecology, technology, science and spirituality. She looks at the impact digitization might either have in stimulating or degrading the human spirit.
Lee challenges the status quo by examining the possibility that AI might replace the true observations of the human soul. She deliberately works against technological development and returns to the symbolisms and spiritual cues of nature and folklore with the presence of the jackal in her work. She believes that humans have the ability to identify natural frequency and immerse themselves in ritual to overcome and adapt to changing circumstances.
Through her work, Lee maps her own relevant geographic space, time, and emotion, transcending this emotional information with form via code and color.
Born in Mokopane, South Africa, in 1966, Grietjie Lee completed a National Diploma in Fine Arts at the TUT University of Pretoria in 1987. Since then, she has participated in numerous group exhibitions and had her first solo exhibition, “Murg en Been,” at the Long Street Art Lovers Gallery in November 2015. She was commissioned to create work for The Nelson Mandela Foundation in 2002. Some of her work was documented at the 2014 site-specific Cool Capital Biennale in Pretoria. Modern Art Project (MAP) in Richmond, in the Northern Cape, acquired some of her work for their art collection. Lee’s work is also part of the permanent collections of MTN, Sasol, Sanlam and Petro SA.
Lee’s work is characterised by its exploration of different themes and meanings. Each exhibition consists of multiple works in various media, reflecting her evolving areas of interest and research. Her inspiration stems from all aspects of human existence and the natural rhythm and design of nature.
To view Grietjie Lee’s latest artworks, gain insight into her artistic process, and stay updated on upcoming exhibitions and projects, Please visit her instagram page www.instagram.com/grietjie_lee/
Selected works

Liquescent, 2022
Watercolour
297mm x 420mm

Abstract Flowchart, 2023
Watercolour & charcoal
420mm x 320mm

Bright Boy, 2022
Watercolour
200mm x 200mm

Abstract Landscape 2, 2020
Watercolour and pen
210mm x 297mm

Tender, 2022
Mixed Media/oil and encaustic wax on board
280mm x 220mm

Nocturnal, 2023
Mixed media ( alpha plaster and beeswax)
160mm x 120mm