TYRREL THAYSEN (1969 – )

National Diploma in Fine Art, University of Cape Town, 1993
Montague White Bursary for Overseas Study, 2003
Brett Kebble Awards finalist, 2003, 2004 and 2005
Vermont Studio Centre Residency, Canada
Greatmore Studios Residency, Woodstock, Cape Town
Thaysen is equally comfortable as a painter, sculptor or draughtsman. His work is predominantly preoccupied with the human figure, and how physical appearances are so intricately intertwined with character and personality. His nonchalant figures are imbued with an aura of sexuality, lust and euphoria – seemingly free from self-conscious constraint. Thaysen is fond of using unconventional, brightly coloured materials such as resin and fibre-glass – reinforcing a prevailing mood of light-hearted amorousness.