“The whole world is a canvas. We’re just walking in it.”  

At age 22, contemporary artist Werner Bronkhorst has achieved the kind of success and artistic freedom many dream of. 

Known as an industry disrupter with incredible authenticity, Werner is currently living and working as an artist in the inner west suburbs of Sydney, Australia. 

Here, Werner shares his story, inspiration and what he loves most about the new 1977 Sofa.

Where it all began 

A creative by nature, Werner grew up experimenting with various mediums to find what he loved most and to learn about himself. 

"As any kid would, I loved making artwork. I just never stopped,” Werner shared. “And especially in high school, I tried to develop and experiment with different kinds of media to see where I fit in the world of art and the world itself.” 

Originally from South Africa, Werner planned to travel to Australia for a gap year and ended up staying in the country permanently. During this time, Werner started to develop the distinctive style he is known for today. 

"When I came to Australia, I made furniture and worked as a builder. I had these skills with working with raw materials and big things,” Werner explained. “But I realized I wanted to make artwork as well. I love finer things and painting in small little details.” 

“I continued making art on the side, and when I made videos of how I produced all of these artworks, I would post it on TikTok. That's when it blew up in some way.” 

Known for his engaging personality, Werner’s art undoubtedly reflects who he is and is part of what led to his success. 

“I do try to convey myself in my artworks. I am just a little person in the big abstract world, and that is exactly what I paint,” Werner shared. “My love for social media, interacting with people, and sharing my process definitely helped with my artistic journey.” 

The 1977 Sofa is featured in Leura Biscotti, Sandstone and Caramel fabrics.

Defining a unique style

Werner's most well-known art features two distinct styles that couldn’t be more different, yet both tell a story of who he is. 

"The two styles I work with right now are what I'm known for,” Werner explained. “The first is the chunky, thick, painted backgrounds with miniature people painted on them. Whether these people are surfing or skiing, they're spread out on these canvases in a very minimal way.” 

"I also draw on big canvases. I would usually draw a car and paint over it with text as a kind of anti-art style. You can see the similarities in the texture involved in both, but they're very different.” 

After spending the time to create incredibly detailed drawings, it’s hard to imagine painting text over the top. But for Werner, this is part of communicating a deeper meaning.

“I love playing with language, text, and words,” Werner shares. “Normally, artists would have a title for their artwork, but I want people to see the message I'm trying to convey.”   

Werner and Florence are pictured in his Sydney studio.

Breaking the mold

Known for being a disruptor in the industry, the way Werner promotes and sells his artworks is anything but traditional.  

“The main part that is very different is making a video of my process,” Werner explained. “I share the raw aspect of how I work and amalgamate that into a video for people to watch, enjoy, and get to know me.” 

“Art can be very lonely because you're just in a studio creating your own personal work. By sharing it with people, they get to interact with me, and I get to interact with them.” 

Entirely independent, Werner is the artist, manager, exhibitor, and seller of his art and has created his own ways of working. 

“Artists normally would rely on a gallery to promote them and do the management and sales,” Werner explained. “I see myself as an entrepreneur, and I've always loved making and selling things, so I wanted to continue that with my artworks.” 

“I love knowing I have full control over what I make, when it's made, who it's made for, and where it ends up.” Werner shared. “Everything is through my website. I know the names of everyone who purchases my work, and I can have a one-on-one relationship.” 

“I exhibit my works in my own way. We do installations, and it's just fun. It's a different way of doing things. But at the same time, it's a community. We're all in this together.” 

Werner is known for his distinct textural work.

Creating texture 

It’s no secret that Werner loves working with texture and raw materials, and there is good reason why this has become part of his creative process. 

“When I made furniture, I realized there were a lot of offcuts and excess material I didn't want to throw away,” Werner explained. “I ended up putting the leftover plaster onto wooden canvases. It gave a super textural effect, and I started painting the miniature people on.” 

What was initially a way to prevent material waste turned into a love of experimentation and a way to customise the materials beyond what was available. 

"The reason I love texture and working with raw materials is I get to experiment,” Werner shared. “I work with gels and other materials to create these super textural, thick, painted artworks." 

“Many artists work straight out of a tube, and that doesn't really do it for me. The raw process of making my own paint is what I really love. It gives me a full spectrum over what I'm working with.” 

Werner is pictured with his partner Charli and daughter Florence. Featuring the 1977 Sofa.

Life in Australia 

Werner and his partner Charli recently became new parents and are thrilled and proud to be raising their daughter, Florence. Werner's daughter has brought an entirely new perspective to his life and art. 

"Last year, we were blessed with the news of a little baby girl arriving,” Werner shared. “She is certainly the inspiration behind many of my works and the change in perspective I had of life. And my artworks are a reflection of that.”

“We are all living our own little lives. And we are all part of this bigger journey. Florence made me see life in a different eye and think back to being a child when it was just this big world to explore. And she's exploring something new every single day.” 

Living in Australia for three years, Werner has immersed himself in the art scene and found a supportive, creative community. 

“I came to Australia at 18 for a gap year and fell in love with the country. There's a lot of interest in art, which is a luxury. This country has great talent, and I've been lucky enough to see that by working in the industry.” 

Featuring the 1977 Sofa Package 5 - Custom Leura Trio. 

Exploring the 1977 Sofa 

Arranged in Werner’s studio, the 1977 Sofa looks right at home. For Werner, the minimal design and ability to easily move around each module to create a custom setting made the 1977 Sofa a winning choice. 

"I love that I can move it around however I want. I love changing things, especially in a space where I feel things should be very hybrid.” Werner shared. “I also love the colours, shape, and simplicity. It looks and feels beautiful. Sometimes, I should probably paint more than I sit on it.” 

As an artist and skilled furniture maker, Werner loves how furniture blends form, aesthetics, and function. 

“Art is functional in that you can hang it on a wall and enjoy it. But when you make furniture, it's something people can use and looks beautiful.” Werner explained. “That’s why I love King Living furniture. It's very minimal, easy-going, and easy to enjoy. It works in any space and makes you feel calm. And I think that's also what I want my artworks to convey.” 

Featuring the 1977 Sofa in Leura Biscotti, Sandstone and Caramel fabrics.

Find your inspiration

If there is one thing that is always needed in the world, it’s art and personal expression.  

At aged 22, Werner has learnt that the desire to create can override the fear of failure, and lead to a great path in life. 

“My advice to people who want to break into the art scene is just go for it. Being afraid is part of the journey, and it’s a valid fear to feel like you're going to fail, or something isn't going to work out.” Werner shared. “But don't be afraid. Play around to find where you fit in and make art that you love. And eventually people will see that you love it, and they'll love it too.”   

“The whole art industry to me is very inspirational in how people see the world and how they incorporate their talents with the world's love of beauty.” 
 

Discover Werner Bronkhorst on Instagram or visit his website.

For further inspiration, explore more articles:  

• Meet the creative mind behind Kim Wallace Ceramics
• Colour psychology and colour palette with Australian Artist Ash Holmes
• Neale Whitaker on the curved furniture trend