Born in 1974 in South Africa, Mariska de Jager has called New Zealand home since immigrating in 2007. A full-time figurative sculptor, she works primarily with clay to create emotionally resonant pieces that explore the human form and its imperfections. Her work is exhibited in galleries and exhibitions across New Zealand.
Mariska graduated with a Diploma in Ceramic Art and Design from Otago Polytechnic in 2021. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Contemporary Art at Wintec, further refining her practice and artistic voice.
I have always been captivated by the human form and its flaws. Every face tells a unique story—fear, despair, love, hope, anxiety, or dreams. I am drawn to the subtle lines around the eyes, the way a mouth shifts with emotion, and the raw vulnerability that makes us human. My work seeks to capture these emotions, allowing viewers to connect with the stories and feelings I express through my sculptures. Each piece is a reflection of my own experiences and emotions, making my art deeply personal yet universally relatable.
The words of Edvard Munch resonate deeply with my practice: “Nature is not only all that is visible to the eye, it also includes the inner pictures of the soul.” Like him, I strive to create art that breathes, feels, suffers, and loves—art that tells the stories of living people and their inner worlds.
