Janko De Beer South Africa, b. 1980

Janko de Beer is a multidisciplinary artist based in Somerset West. He began his creative journey at Pro Arte Alphen Park, a specialist art school in Pretoria, before initially pursuing a career in law. After over a decade as a practicing advocate, he transitioned to working full time as an artist in 2016.

His practice encompasses both sculpture and painting, with an intuitive approach that resists trends or critical expectation. Drawing constant inspiration from nature, Janko often begins his creative process outdoors - whether hiking, surfing, or travelling through remote wilderness. Recent excursions include trekking to Everest Base Camp, exploring the Appalachian Trail, and visiting Bali, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, and Greater Kruger. He believes that fresh experiences in the natural world are essential to generating new artistic ideas.

Janko’s sculptural works are known for their tactile, organic forms, often created using found materials such as kelp, coral, driftwood, bones, and scrap metal. These are combined with traditional techniques to produce pieces that feel both ancient and contemporary. His paintings, executed in mixed media on canvas or archival paper, are also available in limited-edition, hand-embellished Giclée prints.

Since his first solo exhibition at Long Street Gallery (Cape Town) in 2010, Janko has participated in numerous solo and group shows, both locally and internationally. A two-time finalist for the Global Art Awards, he has cultivated a strong international collector base.

Guided by instinct and a deep appreciation for the process of making, Janko approaches each work without agenda - trusting that if the work resonates with him, it will resonate with others.