1 woman is killed every nine days by a current or former partner. 1 in 4 women have been victim of severe physical violence. This artwork is speaking of domestic abuse; physical, sexual, financial, emotional and coercive control where the intention is to cause serious harm, hurt, scare or isolate another. The 'Last face she saw', brings one close to the victim, by feeling the inadequacy, fear, vulnerability and blind rage. There is a power imbalance and people need to be educated and feel safe.

Born in South Africa, arrived in Australia 12 years ago and calls Margaret River, Western Australia home for the past 6 years. Marelize studied Fine Arts at Stellenbosch, Fashion Design in Pretoria and worked as graphic and web-designer in Johannesburg.

I describe my style as a form of shadow work, both in process and practice. In the physical sense unveiling light and darkness with soot on paper in a process called 'Fumage', and meta-physical by touching on social issues relating to mental health.

My subject matter is mostly figurative in which I reference inner conflict to create relevance to the familiar and taboo of generational trauma. It is an embodiment of uncomfortable and intangible concepts of social and emotional construct.

*Please note artwork will not be shipped until after the 2024 Finalist Exhibition which ends in mid-October 2024.