In October, Cape Town’s Sisonke Gallery will unveil The Stories We Tell, a solo exhibition by self-taught artist Simon Venter, that reimagines Christian iconography through the prism of contemporary South Africa.
Far from presenting biblical figures as distant mythological presences, Venter reinterprets them as metaphors for endurance, disillusionment, and curiosity in today’s fractured world.
Tradition Meets Technology
At the heart of this exhibition is the intersection of sacred tradition and modern tools. Generative AI was integral to Venter’s creative process, not as a substitute for painting, but as a means to experiment with composition, atmosphere, and unexpected visual possibilities.
These digital sketches became foundations for Venter’s signature oil paintings, where human intuition reclaimed and transformed algorithmic logic into layered works that speak to both history and the digital present.
The Artist Behind the Work
Born in 1997 in Gqeberha, Venter has been practising professionally for eight years. A self-taught painter with a grounding in oil, he embraces experimental methods that probe the relationship between art, faith, and technology.
His growing recognition includes participation in the Nando’s Creative Exchange 2022 programme and an exhibition at the RMB Latitudes Art Fair, milestones that underscore his commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary South African art.
A Reflective Experience
By integrating biblical iconography with South African narratives, Venter affirms the ongoing relevance of sacred stories in shaping identity, resilience, and cultural dialogue. The Stories We Tell offers audiences a visually striking and thought-provoking encounter, positioning itself at the crossroads of art history, faith, and the digital future.
Exhibition Details
- Exhibition: The Stories We Tell by Simon Venter
- Dates: 2 October – 18 November 2025
- Venue: Sisonke Gallery, Cape Heritage Hotel, 90 Bree Street, Cape Town CBD
- Instagram: @simon__paints
- Facebook: Simon Venter Art
