Bettie Cilliers-Barnard (1914-2010) was a notable South African artist, best known for her large-scale paintings that often featured themes of birds in flight, abstract figures, and geometric shapes. Born in Rustenburg, she explored both earthly and transcendental concepts related to human existence through her art.
Cilliers-Barnard's impressive career included over 70 solo exhibitions, showcasing her work not just in South Africa but also in prominent international locations such as Paris, London, and Taiwan. Her artworks—ranging from paintings to tapestries—are held in various public and private collections, highlighting her significant impact on the art community. Notably, she created the tapestry "Guardian Angel of the Arts" for the State Theatre in Pretoria in 1983.
Throughout her life, Cilliers-Barnard's innovative approach and thematic explorations earned her a prominent place in the South African art scene. She passed away in September 2010, leaving behind a rich legacy of artistic inquiry and expression.
Image source: Strauss&Co
