Morne van Zyl
Morne van Zyl is a South African artist whose work masterfully captures the essence of human existence through the lens of hyper-realism. Born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa, Morne’s early life was shaped by the city’s conservative atmosphere, which instilled in him a unique perspective on the world.
Morne’s journey as an artist began in the tattoo industry.
It’s here where he honed his skills in realism and geometric styles. This unique background allowed him to merge these disciplines, creating a distinct style that is both precise and deeply emotive. Despite his lack of formal education in fine art, his years of experience in tattooing have been instrumental in shaping his approach to realism, allowing him to develop a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of form and structure.
Since transitioning to fine art in 2019, Morne has quickly made a name for himself, consistently refining his craft over the past five years. His work often integrates natural elements, such as foliage, to explore the human connection to the natural world. Through these works, he seeks to remind viewers of the simplicity and beauty of life, unclouded by the distractions of modern society.
Specializing in black and grey graphite portraits, oil paintings, and digital art, Morne’s work is a testament to his dedication to realism. His pieces are not just portraits but windows into the soul, revealing the subtleties of expression and emotion that define who we are. His graphite and oil portraits—both in monochrome and color—are meticulously crafted to highlight the beauty in the minutiae of human features. His digital art ventures into surrealism, yet always remains grounded in hyper-realism, exploring new dimensions of reality that challenge the viewer’s perception.
