ARTIST SERIES

JEANNE HOFFMAN

In her Cape Town studio, painter Jeanne Hoffman works in fragments—paper, pigment and memory intertwine in her process. She continually adds and erases, leaving subtle traces beneath the surface. This dynamic interplay between what is preserved and exposed allows her work to radiate optimism.

Jeanne, can you walk us through your process?

It is very fluid. I'm constantly shifting between elements. I might mix green paint here, then I'll decide to try it over there. By the time I revisit it, much of the initial layer is painted over, but those traces contribute to the essence of the piece. Each mark is a record of movement, like dance or fencing.

That's interesting. How do you mean?

In fencing, you must commit to each move. You're engaged in a dance, constantly aware of your actions. Moving in closer and stepping away, looking inward and outward at the same time. Ultimately, the painting becomes a testament to all the actions, movements and responses that happened within that space.

Where does collage fit into the making of a piece?

Collage is the beginning. It influences everything I make. I might spot something interesting, adding it to a collection. It's like gardening with fragments—tending to them, incorporating some, and pruning others. The same fragments can be reassembled in countless ways, making it a fascinating challenge to produce diverse outcomes from the same inspiration.

The collage is the foundation. What happens next?

Then the painting begins to speak back. Something unexpected always happens, and if something doesn't mesh, I simply paint it over. The marks might not always be visible, but having more layers of erasure tends to fortify a piece. The balance between adding and subtracting can go on indefinitely but, eventually, there comes a moment of stillness. It's a delicate point—pushing further could transform it into a completely different work. The practice is to recognise when to stop.

How does it feel when a piece leaves the studio and goes into the world?

People often share insights about my work that I hadn't observed myself. That's when I know it's successful—when it resonates in the world without me. The beauty of it lies in the unpredictability of people. They bring their own experiences and associations. It's wonderful to have a work that invites free association, recognising that we all appreciate different things and see various shapes in the clouds.

Collage is like gardening with fragments—tending to them, incorporating some, and pruning others. JEANNE HOFFMAN