Jacques Pretorius
- Work
- Biography
I am a visual artist specialising in charcoal and mixed media on paper, based in Scotland. My work is characterised by its raw expressiveness, mark-making, and a deep exploration of contrast, both visually and conceptually. Drawing on the immediacy of charcoal and the versatility of layered media, I create compelling compositions that blur the line between drawing and painting.
Working primarily on paper, I explore the material’s fragility and responsiveness, using it as a stage for bold mark-making, erasure, and gestural movement. My mixed media elements—ranging from ink and pastel to painting and collage—add complexity and depth, often suggesting fragmented narratives or emotional states.
Born in South Africa, my work reflects themes such as collective cultural identity and personal expression, and attempts to frame the effect that the environment and architecture have on the human experience.
I have exhibited in South African, UAE and UK galleries, and my work is held in several private collections. I continue to develop my practice with the belief that drawing remains one of the most direct and powerful forms of artistic expression.
Working primarily on paper, I explore the material’s fragility and responsiveness, using it as a stage for bold mark-making, erasure, and gestural movement. My mixed media elements—ranging from ink and pastel to painting and collage—add complexity and depth, often suggesting fragmented narratives or emotional states.
Born in South Africa, my work reflects themes such as collective cultural identity and personal expression, and attempts to frame the effect that the environment and architecture have on the human experience.
I have exhibited in South African, UAE and UK galleries, and my work is held in several private collections. I continue to develop my practice with the belief that drawing remains one of the most direct and powerful forms of artistic expression.
Adaptable Digital Designer, expert in creating visually engaging and meaningful product and brand experiences by developing high-quality human-centered solutions in line with specifications.
Key strengths include:
Understanding, translating and communicating requirements through effective listening and user research into high-quality designs and user-centric outputs.
Creating bespoke user interface (UX/UI) designs and interactive prototypes across a range of platforms, including mobile, tablet and desktop, ensuring clear understanding and communication of concepts amongst teams, clients and key stakeholders.
Combining big picture focus and strategic planning with an efficient hands-on approach to create quality user-centred and memorable product experiences.
Successfully delivering a range of projects across a variety of fields, including FinTech, tech startups, A.I., non-profit organisations, AAA games, illustration and art direction, marketing, product and interior design.
Art Exhibitions:
Spectre Gallery, The Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, 2007.
The Pyramid Conference and Venue Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2007.
Richard Calqohoun Gallery, Aberdeen, United Kingdom, 2010.
Gallery 21, Aberdeen, United Kingdom, 2012
Spaces Gallery, Aberdeen, United Kingdom, 2012
Key strengths include:
Understanding, translating and communicating requirements through effective listening and user research into high-quality designs and user-centric outputs.
Creating bespoke user interface (UX/UI) designs and interactive prototypes across a range of platforms, including mobile, tablet and desktop, ensuring clear understanding and communication of concepts amongst teams, clients and key stakeholders.
Combining big picture focus and strategic planning with an efficient hands-on approach to create quality user-centred and memorable product experiences.
Successfully delivering a range of projects across a variety of fields, including FinTech, tech startups, A.I., non-profit organisations, AAA games, illustration and art direction, marketing, product and interior design.
Art Exhibitions:
Spectre Gallery, The Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, 2007.
The Pyramid Conference and Venue Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2007.
Richard Calqohoun Gallery, Aberdeen, United Kingdom, 2010.
Gallery 21, Aberdeen, United Kingdom, 2012
Spaces Gallery, Aberdeen, United Kingdom, 2012
- Jacques Pretorius
- Silver in the Shadows
- Charcoal
- Jacques Pretorius
- Elemental Cape
- Charcoal
- Jacques Pretorius
- Windswept Dunes
- Charcoal
- Jacques Pretorius
- Rooted in Offering
- Charcoal
- Jacques Pretorius
- Testament of Time
- Mixed Media
- Jacques Pretorius
- Fleece and Sky
- Charcoal
- Jacques Pretorius
- Place of Memory: Gorse
- Mixed Media
- Jacques Pretorius
- Shadows of Strength
- Charcoal
SHARE THIS PAGE