Ruan Jooste

Ruan Jooste was born and raised in Nigel, a small town in Gauteng, southeast of Johannesburg, South Africa. From a young age, he was driven by a need for creative expression. He initially pursued a passion for fashion design but soon found a deeper connection in photography, teaching himself the necessary skills to capture the world through his own lens. This foundation in design and photography laid the groundwork for his current digital art practice.

As a self-taught digital artist, Ruan Jooste seamlessly integrates the skills developed during his fashion and photography careers to create a distinctive style of digital art. His work is a vibrant blend of visual storytelling, design principles, and emotional resonance.

Ruan Jooste has had the privilege of living and working in various parts of the world, including Pretoria, Toronto, Johannesburg, Phuket, and now Cape Town. These diverse experiences have shaped his worldview and artistic philosophy, encapsulated in the belief: “As human beings, we are more alike than we are different.”

In 2021, Ruan Jooste held his first solo exhibition in Cape Town, which received outstanding critical and public acclaim. His work has since been featured on the cover of the Sunday Times Lifestyle section and in Art Times magazine. He has exhibited in Cape Town, the AKAA Art Fair in Paris, and in New York, sharing his vision with audiences across the globe.

His art is part of the official RMB (Rand Merchant Bank) collection and has been featured in a Strauss & Co. auction, marking significant milestones in his professional journey. These opportunities have allowed Ruan Jooste to connect with a wide range of collectors and audiences, enriching his practice through global engagement.

In March 2025, Ruan Jooste presented his solo exhibition “Tides”, further cementing his presence in the contemporary art landscape. Ruan Jooste believes that South Africans often place too much emphasis on their differences, overlooking the deep commonalities that bind them. Through his art, he seeks to bridge those divides—portraying his subjects as members of a shared tribe defined by courage, positivity, and joy.

He is humbled by the support of an international clientele, with collectors from around the world acquiring his work. Ruan Jooste is proudly represented by The Artists Gallery in Cape Town.

Please browse through Ruan Jooste's catalogue to explore more available works.