Hall of fame | Angeline-Ann Le Roux

Angeline-Ann Le Roux was born in Johannesburg during the 1970’s. After matriculating in Riversdale, she studied textile design before embarking on the visual arts journey through UNISA. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts with distinction and is currently completing a Masters in Visual Arts through UNISA.

Le Roux says that studying textile design enhanced her personal relationship with fabric, consequently influenced her visual arts production. This has developed into a passion for the complex and layered language potential of thread and fabric which she uses as metaphor in her art. Her studio is in Slanghoek, Rawsonville where she also lives with her husband and three sons. In this interview, Angeline-Ann gives us insight into her artistic journey since receiving her Merit Award in 2006.

Tell us a bit about your winning work.  

A place called home was made from the newspaper. In this work, I addressed the concept of the basic human necessity of shelter and territory. I associated shelter as a physiological necessity which also represents the psychological need for a place called home.

Did winning the competition assist in launching your career as an artist?

A place called home was my first work made from newspaper. By receiving the recognition from the Sasol New Signatures competition, I was inspired to continue working with newspaper as medium, further extending the technique to include woven and quilted installations, that focused on shelter as the basic human need, while also addressing psychological aspects associated with this need. A substantial body of works were made, for which I received a few other awards including a residency at the Cité des Arts in Paris.  I am grateful to Sasol New Signatures for the doors that this award has opened for me.

How has your art making changed over the years?

I worked with newspaper for almost a decade. Throughout, my work still carries the evidence of textiles and threads. My work remains labour intensive and I am forever searching new methods and techniques. I believe that the positive responses to my work have been due to innovative use of materials.  

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working with discarded clothing as a metaphor for the disempowerment of the individual within the power relations associated with social structuring. By unravelling the clothing, I source the thread from which I create sculptural drawings resembling fragmented body parts.

What is your opinion of the Sasol New Signatures competition and its role in the South African art landscape?

I think that the Sasol New Signatures not only creates a platform for new artists to showcase their works, but also creates opportunities due to the recognition and exposure. The value of accreditation and exposure that accompanies such a competition contributes greatly to supporting the voice of art in our country.

What have you achieved since the competition?

Since the Sasol award in 2006, I have completed a degree in Visual Arts, and further developed my work, subsequently exhibiting and receiving other awards and opportunities.

Are you involved in any mentorships, community projects or other developmental opportunities?

I dedicated 7 years to teaching at the Hugo Naude Art Centre in Worcester, involved with art education for scholars from a great number of surrounding schools.

What advice do you have for other artists young or old wanting to make their career as an artist?

Think creatively and be innovative. Never stop pushing the boundaries of the art making process. Through constant experimentation, new ideas develop, be selective with these. Love what you do.

A place called home (2006)

Newspaper installation 

Image courtesy of the artist.