AITY GALLERY

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY & STATEMENT

KYLE JARDINE (b. 1992)

Artist Biography

Kyle Jardine is a contemporary artist based in Cape Town, South Africa, known for his  innovative approach to ceramics and sculpture. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Live Performance  and a Licentiate in Musical Theatre, which deeply influence his artistic practice. Jardine’s work is characterized by a discernibly quirky and playful style, exploring joyful, innocent, and queer themes.

Drawing from his experience in stage performance, drag culture, and his queer identity, Jardine constructs a beautifully wild, weird, and fantastical safe space for viewers to immerse themselves. His interior scenes are rich with narrative, stemming from his background in storytelling, where characters, scenes, and motifs come to life. He references architectural influences, reflecting his appreciation of heritage and history, with works serving as confessions of mysterious encounters.

His use of color, along with vibrant characters, prints, and patterns, flows effortlessly from brush to canvas, highlighting his influences from fashion, costume design, and theatrical elements. 

Jardine aims to seek out the joyous moments in life, inviting viewers to soak in the ease and the whimsy of his creations.

Since partnering with AITY Gallery, Jardine has participated in various group exhibitions and had a sold-out solo exhibition, solidifying his presence in the contemporary art scene. He has also exhibited at prominent art fairs, including AAF Battersea in London.

Artist Statement

“My work reflects the coexistence of the playful and the profound. I create pieces that evoke a sense of wonder, inviting viewers into a world where joyful themes intersect with deeper narratives. Through my art, I encourage people to engage with their surroundings and explore the stories hidden within.”

About His Work

Kyle Jardine’s artistic practice revolves around the exploration of materials and forms. His creations often feature intricate textures and vibrant colors, blending traditional techniques with contemporary design. Jardine’s work serves as a celebration of life, depicting joyful moments and the peculiar lives that inspire his narratives. His recent sold-out solo exhibition at AITY Gallery showcased a new body of work, while his participation in group shows and art fairs continues to challenge and expand the boundaries of contemporary art.

Jardine’s work invites viewers to step into a fantastical world where imagination reigns, encouraging them to find joy and connection within their own experiences.

AITY GALLERY 

– www.aitygallery.com

Exhibitions

• 2024: AITY Gallery Group Exhibition

• 2024: Battersea Art Fair, London (AITY Gallery)

• 2024: Munich Group Exhibition, Soul of Afrika

• 2024: Solo Exhibition, “We’re All Just Big Kids,” AITY Gallery

• 2023: Summer Group Show, Brutal Gallery, Side Street Studios

• 2023: New Group Show, You & I New Gallery Opening

• 2023: Uncontextualized Group Exhibition, Marvol Gallery, Stellenbosch

• 2023: “Tonal Tapestries,” Art in the Yard Gallery, Franschhoek

• 2023: “The Still Life of Others,” Marvol Gallery, Hazendal Estate

• 2023: Solo Exhibition, “Please Be Seated,” You & I Gallery

• 2023: Group Exhibition, German Gallery

• 2023: Group Exhibition, “Africa,” China International Online Exhibition

• 2023: Work Purchased by the Royal Portfolio

• 2022: Solo Exhibition, “Mischief,” You & I Gallery, Kloof

• 2022: Winter Group Show Exhibition, Lisa Linnow Gallery

• 2022: Annual Group Exhibition, Rust-en-Vrede

• 2022: Group Exhibition, ABSA Gallery, Johannesburg

• 2022: Group Exhibition, Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK)

• 2022: Online Solo Exhibition with Rochester Museum of Fine Arts, USA

• 2022: Signed with German Gallery, Munich (Soul of Afrika)

• 2022: Exhibition and Launch, First Thursdays, Cape Town

• 2021: Exhibition at CTICC, You & I Gallery

• 2021: Exhibition at Clarendon Hotel, You & I Gallery

• 2021: Group Exhibition, Hermanus Fine Arts Festival

• 2021: Group Exhibition, Lisa Linnow Gallery

• 2021: Launch of Robin Sprong Wallpaper Collection

• 2021: Private Solo Launch, Throne Rooms Collection

• 2021: Group Exhibition, “Vigil,” Young Blood Gallery, Cape Town

• 2020: “Dreamscape Series,” Art is Art Gallery, Cape Town

• 2020: “Crowded in Colour Collection,” Art is Art Gallery, Cape Town

• 2020: “Heritage City Collection,” Art is Art Gallery, Cape Town

• 2020: Product and Illustration Design for Sanlam Africa & Cape Town

• 2020: Merchandise Design Range for Gate69 Theatre

• 2019: National Finalist, Top 25, State of the Art Gallery Artist Search

Media & Press Features

• 2024: Home Magazine SA Feature

• 2023: Private Body of Work Collected for a Five-Star Hotel

• 2023: VISI Magazine Artist Feature / Interview

• 2023: Online Artist Feature / Interview, Spar Magazine

• 2022: SA Home Owner Feature, Print Edition

• 2022: House and Garden, Artist Feature, Online Edition

• 2022: Ideas Magazine Artist Feature on Mural Project

• 2022: Online Solo Exhibition, Rochester Fine Arts Museum, USA

• 2022: Ideas Magazine Feature, Artist and Artwork, Print Edition

• 2021: Pro Landscape Magazine Cover Illustration

• 2021: “Go Somewhere Slowly,” Cape Town Documentary Interview

• 2021: “Eat Play Drink,” Cape Town Art Review, Young Blood Gallery Exhibition

• 2021: House & Garden Print Magazine Feature

• 2020: VISI Magazine Online Feature Article

• 2020: News 24 Feature Article / Interview

• 2020: Netwerk 24 Feature Article / Interview

• 2020: Cape Town Magazine Online Feature Article

• 2019: VISI Magazine Online Feature Article

Studio: Side Street Studios, 48 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town