A World Away

Fadiel Hermans

Fadiel Hermans was born in 1971 in Cape Town’s BoKaap. As an artist, he infuses every canvas with memories of his childhood—times that were often challenging and remain vivid in his mind. His artworks prominently feature people and imagery from his immediate surroundings, reflecting the environment that shaped him.

Fadiel Hermans’ work serves as a reflection of his memories and lived experiences. Each piece captures specific colours, the interplay of light and shadow, and conveys a range of ideas and emotions. He believes his creativity stems from his unique perspective on the world.

Painting has been a constant passion in Fadiel Hermans’ life. From a young age, he was supported by his parents, who provided him with paper and other materials to encourage his artistic pursuits. This early encouragement laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for painting, rooted in a personal quest to better understand life, his environment, and his experiences.

Fadiel Hermans continually explores the stories and images that swirl in his mind, striving to translate them onto canvas. Each artwork tells a story—sometimes complete, sometimes open-ended—inviting viewers to engage and find their own meanings. Although he had a brief stint in graphic design and worked in the printing industry, Fadiel Hermans had no formal training in fine art. Nevertheless, he chose to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time artist.

Working primarily with acrylic and spray paint, Fadiel Hermans creates vibrant and visually captivating pieces. His rich narrative style allows multiple interpretations, drawing viewers into layered storylines. He often provides a full storyboard to accompany his artworks, each inspired by his personal experiences.

Fadiel Hermans’ work blends elements of street art, pop art, and graphic design, infused with contemporary culture and satirical undertones. In 2023, his artistic journey reached a significant milestone when a team of curators selected him for a limited-edition, high-quality Diasec series of artworks.

In Cape Town, Fadiel Hermans is represented by The Artist Gallery.