ABOUT
Michelle Solomon is a Stellenbosch-based artist whose work blends realism with expressive, lyrical intensity.
Her figurative drawing and painting is conceptually driven, engaging with restraint, vulnerability, and suspension — the figure held in a state of quiet psychological tension.
Working with oil alongside ink, bleach, and charcoal, she employs additive and subtractive processes to build emotional weight and atmosphere.
Human and animal forms are approached as presences rather than portraits, while organic traces contribute to a symbolic dialogue that is both intimate and resonant.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2026
(Forthcoming) The Emergence of the Avatarial Self
Co-curator & Exhibiting Artist | Group Exhibition featuring artists of the Diane Victor Advanced Drawing Workshop, developed in collaboration with Jeanne Hugo
Hugo Modern Gallery, Bellville
(Forthcoming) The Emergence of the Avatarial Self
Co-curator & Exhibiting Artist | Group Exhibition featuring artists of the Diane Victor Advanced Drawing Workshop, developed in collaboration with Jeanne Hugo
Hugo Modern Gallery, Bellville
2026
Interwoven group Exhibition
Glen Carlou Gallery, Klapmuts, Paarl
Interwoven group Exhibition
Glen Carlou Gallery, Klapmuts, Paarl
2025
Western Cape Portrait Award Exhibition | Top 40 Finalist
Rust-en-Vrede Gallery, Durbanville
Western Cape Portrait Award Exhibition | Top 40 Finalist
Rust-en-Vrede Gallery, Durbanville
2025
Paul Birchall Studio Annual Exhibition
Gallery 196, Woodstock
Paul Birchall Studio Annual Exhibition
Gallery 196, Woodstock
2024
Paul Birchall Studio Annual Exhibition
Cape Town
Paul Birchall Studio Annual Exhibition
Cape Town
2017
Paul Birchall Studio Annual Exhibition
Alliance Française du Cap, Cape Town
Paul Birchall Studio Annual Exhibition
Alliance Française du Cap, Cape Town
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2017—Present
Ongoing Studio Practice & Mentorship | Paul Birchall
Cape Town
Ongoing Studio Practice & Mentorship | Paul Birchall
Cape Town
2026
Life Drawing Programme | Clarissa Visser
PJ Olivier Art Centre, Stellenbosch
Life Drawing Programme | Clarissa Visser
PJ Olivier Art Centre, Stellenbosch
2026
Painting Workshop Retreat | Mary Visser
Goedgedacht Farm, Riebeek-Kasteel
Painting Workshop Retreat | Mary Visser
Goedgedacht Farm, Riebeek-Kasteel
2026
Lighting the Human Form Photography Workshop | Coert Venter
PJ Olivier Art Centre, Stellenbosch
Lighting the Human Form Photography Workshop | Coert Venter
PJ Olivier Art Centre, Stellenbosch
2025
Advanced Drawing Workshop | Diane Victor
Muratie Farm, Stellenbosch
Advanced Drawing Workshop | Diane Victor
Muratie Farm, Stellenbosch
2025
Oil Painting Workshop | Alex Emsley
PJ Olivier Art Centre, Stellenbosch
Oil Painting Workshop | Alex Emsley
PJ Olivier Art Centre, Stellenbosch
2025
Life Drawing Programme | Beyond the Frames
Rust-en-Vrede Gallery, Durbanville
Life Drawing Programme | Beyond the Frames
Rust-en-Vrede Gallery, Durbanville
2024
Ink and Bleach Workshop | Di Metcalf Brush & Canvas, Claremont
Ink and Bleach Workshop | Di Metcalf Brush & Canvas, Claremont
RECOGNITION & AWARDS
2026
Light Space & Time | 16th Figurative Art Exhibition
Honourable Mention (Top 20 Painting)
Light Space & Time | 16th Figurative Art Exhibition
Honourable Mention (Top 20 Painting)
2025
Rust-en-Vrede Portrait Award
Top 40 Finalist
Rust-en-Vrede Portrait Award
Top 40 Finalist
2017—Present
Women Who Draw
Featured Artist in international directory and platform supporting contemporary women and non-binary artists
Women Who Draw
Featured Artist in international directory and platform supporting contemporary women and non-binary artists
PUBLICATIONS
2026
Arts to Hearts Project | 101 Art Book: Dog Edition
Selected Artist (International Publication)
Arts to Hearts Project | 101 Art Book: Dog Edition
Selected Artist (International Publication)
2025
Arts to Hearts Project | 100 Emerging Artists of 2025
Selected Artist (International Publication)
Arts to Hearts Project | 100 Emerging Artists of 2025
Selected Artist (International Publication)
COLLABORATIONS
2023—Present
The Lamu Collection | Textile, Silk Scarf & Swimwear Collaboration
The Lamu Collection | Textile, Silk Scarf & Swimwear Collaboration
Winner of The Lamu Collection International Design & Creator Competition (2023) | Ongoing collaboration producing silk scarves and swimwear distributed in South Africa and Spain.