Metamorphosis symbolises a significant change from one state to another. Various life events can inspire such transformation. For artist Santie Cronje, the Covid pandemic greatly influenced her painting style. It shifted from a representational approach to a more expressive painterly style, recalling her earlier work from before she moved from South Africa in 1999

The paintings for her collection began their development some years ago. Each piece started with an initial image on the canvas. Although they were visually engaging, not all were complete. 'Perhaps they needed time and I needed to grow as an artist,' says Santie. 'I belong to two countries, and there often seems to be a duality in my artwork, either in style or theme.

With Metamorphosis, I aimed to combine my different art worlds, transforming them into something new, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.' This process of letting go of earlier work and developing something new provided Santie with a deeper understanding of her artistic journey. 'I now see painting differently than before. Paint is like a magical guide. We shape it into various visions, but sometimes the paint guides us, and that is where the joy lies for me. That is where transformation exists, bringing emotions into being.'