Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Bobby Hendry
Werner Bronkhorst has taken the art world by storm with his unique paintings, which cause audiences to do a double take as they soak in all the details. Bronkhorst talked to NYOTA about seeing his work resonate with others online, showing his WET exhibition in Australia, and encouraging others to chase their creative dreams.
It’s common for people to grow up in households where the arts aren’t encouraged, but your parents supported your passion growing up. How did that shape your perspective of yourself as an artist?
My parents’ constant encouragement shaped me as an artist in ways I’m endlessly grateful for. There were never any creative restrictions in our home; quite the opposite. They let me paint my bedroom walls whenever inspiration struck, never worrying about the mess or permanence. That freedom to create without boundaries meant I could explore different artistic styles, techniques, and mediums without hesitation. I never felt boxed into one way of expression, and that played a huge role in helping me figure out what I truly love. Having that kind of support meant that art was never just a hobby; it was a natural and essential part of my life.
Due to being born and raised in South Africa, did you have constant inspiration for your art due to the vibrant colors in nature and architecture?
Being raised in a country filled with color, nature, sport, and architecture definitely influenced my life and art, but it was during my travels in Europe as a teenager that I discovered even better art and architecture that inspired my creations from there on.
What led you to start posting your art pieces on social media? Did it seem the quickest way to reach an audience or potential buyers?
To be honest, that wasn’t even on my mind when I first started posting. I just wanted to share my work with the world and put it out there for anyone who might connect with it. Over time, I started noticing that more and more people were engaging with my art, and before I knew it, I had built this incredible community. That’s what really made me fall in love with the process, seeing how my work resonated with others. From there, I just wanted to keep growing and creating alongside the people who supported me.
A lot of your work focuses on movement. When you first decided to create pieces with miniature people, was it hard to perfect the smaller details of their body positions?
Miniatures have always been a passion of mine. In high school, I loved creating tiny artworks, some small enough to fit within the size of a coin. So when I started making the miniatures I create today, it felt like a natural progression, something I had been refining for years. A lot of my work now revolves around sports, which is why I often paint famous athletes. It gives me the opportunity to study their posture, signature movements, and unique style within their sport. Plus, with so many reference photos available, I can carefully capture their positioning and bring them to life on the canvas.
Have your kids had any impact on your art? Do you feel that you’re seeing the world through their eyes now?
When I found out Charli was pregnant with Florence, it completely shifted my perspective, not just on life but on my art as well. That was the moment I decided to create with purpose, to turn my passion into something I could share and sell. Since then, they have influenced my work in ways I never could have imagined. Watching them experience the world with such wonder and curiosity made me see things differently. The way they find magic in the smallest details, things we as adults often overlook, taught me to slow down and appreciate the beauty in everything. Now, I find inspiration everywhere, in the ordinary moments that I might have once ignored, and that shift in perspective has completely transformed the way I create.
Your WET exhibition was shown in Bondi Beach in February. When you’re working on a series, how do you decide on a theme? What allows you to narrow down what will be taking place in the artwork from the first to the last piece?
I’m constantly coming up with ideas for new collections and artworks; honestly, I struggle to choose just one theme. But in the end, I always go with the theme that feels the most inspiring to me at that moment. Living in Sydney, surrounded by beautiful beaches and the ocean, it was impossible not to be drawn to water as a subject, which made choosing WET an easy decision. Once I’ve settled on a theme, the ideas for individual pieces start to flow naturally. And with Sydney as my backdrop, I was truly spoiled for choice; there was inspiration everywhere I looked.
You’ve partnered with brands such as Porsche, Redbull, and more through social media. Is it exciting to show your followers the opportunities that pursuing art can make possible?
Absolutely! I love sharing my accomplishments with my followers because, in so many ways, they’ve played a huge role in getting me to where I am today. These opportunities wouldn’t be possible without their support, and being able to bring them along for the journey makes it even more special. More than anything, I want to inspire others and show them that if you’re truly passionate about something and put in the work, incredible things can happen. Art can open so many doors, and I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can encourage others to chase their own creative dreams.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
Always follow your passion; people can see and feel when your work is driven by a genuine love for what you do. Take the time to explore different styles, experiment, and find what truly excites you. Storytelling and building a community around your art are just as important as the work itself. It’s what helped me grow and connect with others. And while creativity is key, don’t overlook the business side of things. Learning about sales and marketing can make a huge difference in turning your passion into something long-term and fulfilling.
This story first ran in Issue 39: The Digital Issue. Read more from the issue here
