Shattering Secrets: not just another fairy tale
by
Thelma van Rensburg
29 November 2024
Family scapegoating abuse is characterized by repeated injustices, hypocrisies unfairness, and deep moral wounds, that poison our core reservoir of self trust, trust in others and trust in the world. This is the foundation of betrayal trauma.
"Betrayal is at the heart of being scapegoated. When exploring scapegoating history in a toxic family dynamic it is apparent that trauma doesn't just come from hurtful actions, cruel words. painful neglect and humiliations, or the psychological wounds wielded out by family members. {Scapegoating} trauma extends beyond tangible incidents: it permeates our psyches and our physiology."
Dr Erin Watson 2023
Through inner child drawings. fairy tales and collage I try to process the decades long, brutal abuse I suffered at the hands of my own family and the immense sense of betrayal that left my heart shattered.
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Van Rensburg was born in Pretoria, South Africa in 1969. She always had an interest in art, but did not pursue it as a career until 2004. She has a B.A Honours degree in Physical education and Psychology. In 2004 she enrolled for a B.Tech degree in Fine Arts at Tshwane University of Technology which she completed in 2007. In 2013 she re-enrolled at the University of Pretoria for the final year of the BA degree in Fine Arts and completed the year cum laude. In 2016 she completed a Masters of Arts degree in Fine Arts at the University of Pretoria, titled Uneasy bodies, femininity and death: Representing the female corpse in fashion photography and selected contemporary artworks.
Since graduating, she has participated in eight solo exhibitions and numerous group exhibitions throughout South Africa. Her work has featured in prestigious competitions such as Sasol New Signatures, Thami Mnyele Fine Arts awards and the Sanlam Vuleka Arts competition. She also attended three artist residencies in Berlin and Mexico from 2015 to 2018.
Thelma van Rensburg
"I am falling out of a fairy tale"
2024
Collage and acrylic on wooden canvas
21cm x 21cm x 2cm
Unframed
R 1 340
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Thelma van Rensburg
"Returning to self I"
2024
Collage from vintage story books in hand painted frame
19cm x 12cm
Framed
R 840
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Thelma van Rensburg
"Returning to self II"
2024
Collage from vintage story books in hand painted frame
19cm x 12cm
Framed
R 840
Click here for purchase enquiry
Thelma van Rensburg
"Down a large rabbit hole"
2024
Collage and acrylic on wooden canvas
21cm x 21cm x 2cm
Unframed
R 1 340
Click here for purchase enquiry
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