AGAC Top 25 Finalist - Hester Strumpfer - The Metamorphosis of Argus

Top 25 Finalist in the AGAC 2023

- Artist: Hester Strumpfer

- Name: The Metamorphosis of Argus

- Size:  710 mm x 1040 mm

- Medium: Oil on canvas

- Price: R32,500

- Framed

Hester is a South African Artist and she has been awarded as a Top 25 Finalist in the ARTi Gallery Art Competition 2023!  

About this piece: 

Argus, as in the Roman Mythology of Mercury and Argus, has 100 eyes. I used the painting of Diego Velazques as my inspiration to debate the modern-day giant with even more than 100 eyes - Social Media - lulling Argus into a trance instead of Mercury's lulling of Argus into sleep with his flute to behead him. Social media robs modern-day Argus of his head in another way. 

About the Artist: 

Hester is passionate about Art and Science; she continues her interest in both fields through studying continuously. Her art projects are done with a lot of research and planning. She is inspired by Picasso, Chagall and Klimt amongst others. Symbolism includes birds, butterflies and jesters/clowns. She has a keen interest in the therapeutical value of art and is a qualified Art Counsellor. Healing through art is a great passion. Art is her tool for communication and to raise awareness.

She uses many mediums in her art namely oil, acrylic, charcoal, ink, gold leaf and pastels. She concentrates on portraiture, but draws or paints animals, still lives, flowers and landscapes. Her next medium to master is graphite. She loves design and photography, designs and makes costumes for models and mostly photographs her own reference work. Some art works are productions from start to finish.

She enjoys collaborating with photographers where she art directs for a specific work. She enjoys taking part in Art Competitions and has entered the National Portrait Awards four times with five works in oil. Her 2023 entry was in the top 250. She has been a semi-finalist twice and a finalist for three consecutive years in the national Vuleka Art Competition open to the continent of Africa. Her work is described as deeply emotional and storytelling. She enjoys doing larger works, but has completed miniature works since 2022, some complying with the international standards for miniature art.

She loves interacting with other artists and enjoys encouraging others to do better. She has taught creative art in schools and enjoys the interaction with children. She is serious about honing her skills with Master Classes and is passionate about meeting fellow artists and sharing skills – a scholar for life.