ABOUT
Michelle Solomon is a Stellenbosch-based artist whose work blends realism with expressive, lyrical intensity.
Her figurative drawing and painting are 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 both additive and subtractive processes to build emotional weight and atmosphere.
Human and animal forms are approached as presences, while throughout her work, organic traces contribute to a symbolic dialogue that is both intimate and broadly resonant.
Her figurative drawing and painting are 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 both additive and subtractive processes to build emotional weight and atmosphere.
Human and animal forms are approached as presences, while throughout her work, organic traces contribute to a symbolic dialogue that is both intimate and broadly resonant.
Selected Exhibitions
2026
(Forthcoming) The Emergence of the Avatarial Self Group Exhibition, Diane Victor, Advanced Drawing Workshop
(Forthcoming) The Emergence of the Avatarial Self Group Exhibition, Diane Victor, Advanced Drawing Workshop
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
2025
Advanced Drawing Workshop | Diane Victor
Muratie Farm, Stellenbosch
Advanced Drawing Workshop | Diane Victor
Muratie Farm, Stellenbosch
2025
Ink and Bleach Workshop | Di Metcalf
Ink and Bleach Workshop | Di Metcalf
2024
Painting Workshop Retreat | Mary Visser
Goedgedacht Farm, Riebeek-Kasteel
Painting Workshop Retreat | Mary Visser
Goedgedacht Farm, Riebeek-Kasteel
2024
Life Drawing Programme | Clerissa Visser
PJ Olivier Art Centre, Stellenbosch
Life Drawing Programme | Clerissa Visser
PJ Olivier Art Centre, Stellenbosch
2024
Ink and Bleach Workshop — Di Metcalf
Ink and Bleach Workshop — Di Metcalf
Recognition & Awards
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)
2026
Light Space & Time | 16th Figurative Art Exhibition
Honourable Mention (Top 20 Painting & Other Media)
Light Space & Time | 16th Figurative Art Exhibition
Honourable Mention (Top 20 Painting & Other Media)
2025
Rust-en-Vrede Portrait Award
Top 40 Finalist
Rust-en-Vrede Portrait Award
Top 40 Finalist
2025
Arts to Hearts Project | 100 Emerging Artists of 2025
International Publication
Arts to Hearts Project | 100 Emerging Artists of 2025
International Publication