Lauren Ratcliffe
Artist’s Statement
"I find myself endlessly curious about the quiet lives of the spaces we inhabit! Have you ever thought about
how a room holds a mood, a chair remembers a presence, or an arrangement of objects seems to hum with
its own subtle energy?
In my work, these interiors become more than just places; they begin to shift, soften, and occasionally feel
almost alive.
I use thick, tactile layers of paint, building and scraping, letting texture and colour lead the way in a loose,
playful dance rather than a fixed plan. There’s a freedom in that process that is really important to me - I see
it as an invitation to let go, to trust intuition, and to allow the painting to unfold in its own time.
For me, the magic often lives in that in-between space, where control loosens its grip and something
unexpected (and a little bit joyful) takes over.Biography
Lauren Ratcliffe is a Cape Town-based contemporary artist whose work explores the spaces we inhabit and
the emotions they hold. Originally from the Eastern Cape, she now paints full-time at SideTrack Studios,
balancing her creative practice with family life.
Working in a playful conversation between acrylics and oils, Lauren builds her canvases with layers of
texture, pattern, and bold colour. Acrylics give her freedom to experiment with looseness and quirk, while oils
allow her to bring depth, richness, and subtle detail. The result is a body of work that feels both vibrant and
layered - inviting viewers to look again and discover something hidden beneath the surface.
Building on 15 years experience working in psychology and people development, her paintings centre on the
idea of “spaces”: rooms, corners, objects, and arrangements that hold meaning far beyond their physical
form. Through exaggerated colour, abstract forms, and textured marks, Lauren explores how the places we
choose to be in, reflect who we are… how we want to feel…and the connections we long for.
Whether playful, bold, or quietly intimate, her work carries a sense of curiosity and joy, reminding us that the
spaces around us are not just backdrops, but living reflections of our inner worlds.Exhibitions
This is Me (April 2022, Noordhoek Art Point)
Kamers Vol Geskenke and Garden Town (November 2023, The Voice Collective)
Art and Vines (July 2023, Constantia Uitsig)
The Artists Gallery (2024)
RK Contemporary Summer Salon (December 2024)
The Feminine Urge to Become (November 2024, The Art Affair)
My first solo show “Not Occasional” at LUMI Gallery (April 2025, Curatorial Edge)
The Gift (August 2025, SA Art Fair and Curatorial Edge at Tintswalo Atlantic)
RK Contemporary Group Exhibition (November 2025)
AITY Gallery Franschhoek Mirror Within Exhibition (Dec - April 2026)
The Travelling Art Gallery Group Exhibition (April - May 2026)
Art Under the Bed Winter Cape Town (April 2026)
Into Art Group Exhibition (September 2025)
33 Bree (The Artist Gallery) Conversation in Colour Exhibition (Top 50) (October 2025)
Art Under the Bed (March, July and November 2025)
Showing all 2 artworks