Dirkje Daling lives and works in Nieu-Bethesda in the Eastern Cape, Karoo. She works mostly in oils (on canvas) but enjoy mixed media as well, often incorporating elements from nature. Her work leans more towards the conceptual, and what it teaches. “I want to invite the viewer to ask questions on the topic being considered, in order to create awareness or invoke knowledge of a possible lack of awareness, whatever the situation might be. At other times, I want to lose myself in the process of creating, and trust that the joy and inspiration will flow through the art and keep on communicating after it’s done. I want to create hope”.

She has been involved in numerous group exhibitions across South Africa, and is the owner of Infinity gallery in Nieu-Bethesda, where she exhibits and sells her work from 2014, to local and international collectors. “Although I did not study art (I studied mathematics at Stellenbosch University), I was greatly influenced by the late Larry Scully, head of Arts Department Stellenbosch University, as I served as his agent for a while shortly before his death, becoming great friends. With long conversations about art, philosophy and music, I am so grateful for what I learned from him. After his death I bought (most of) his art-book collection from his wife Christine, and considered these to be my studies, working through them at a slow but steady pace”.

Exhibitions

Atelier d’Art, Onrus – 2003

Rust en Vrede Gallery, Durbanville – 2004

Inclusive Books, Nieu-Bethesda – 2009, 2010

Art Karoo, Oudtshoorn – 2011 to 2016

‘Attune’ exhibition, Fugard Festival, Nieu-Bethesda – 2012

Annual exhibition, Infinity Art Gallery, cnr Martin and Hudson Street, Nieu-Bethesda – 2014 to 2022

KarooCollective, Art and Design, 108 Caledon Street, Graaff-Reinet – 2018 to 2021

Art from the Heart Exhibition, Nieu-Bethesda, 2021