Martin Osner

I am a painter who creates expressive, layered artworks rooted in the spirit, culture, and textures of Southern Africa. My work is deeply personal—each piece crafted through the emotional language of colour, texture, and material.

Although I was drawn to art from an early age, I wasn’t allowed to study it at school. My parents believed that becoming an artist meant a life of struggle and instability. So I found my way, returning to art later in life with a sense of purpose and quiet determination.

Over the years, I’ve developed a multidisciplinary practice that moves fluidly between painting, mixed media, and photography—each medium offering a different way to express light, atmosphere, and emotion. While some pieces are purely photographic, many are layered with brushwork, gold leaf, and hand-textured surfaces. My paintings often carry a quiet, abstract energy—built with acrylics, oil paint, encaustic, and other tactile materials.

My recent African Queen Collection celebrates feminine strength and African identity through richly painted, soulful portraits. This body of work has garnered strong collector interest due to its honesty, texture, and cultural resonance.

Among my accolades, I was named Best Contemporary International...

I am a self-taught painter and fine art educator with a career spanning more than four decades. My creative foundation was built through hands-on experimentation and a deep appreciation for light, texture, and emotional storytelling.

Though I initially worked with a camera, it was painting that ultimately gave full expression to my artistic voice. I have since developed a layered, mixed media approach using acrylics, oil paint, encaustic, ink, and gold leaf, often combined with tactile materials and textural surfaces.

In 2020, I founded the Art Photography Academy, where I now teach intuitive painting, visual storytelling, and expressive art techniques to students around the world. I also run in-person retreats and studio workshops that guide artists in unlocking their creativity and developing personal style.

I believe that great art isn’t taught—it’s discovered. My role as an educator is to guide others in finding their way.

International Exhibitions
Stephanie Hoppen Gallery, London, UK – September 2008
Featuring: Abandoned, Urban Reflection, Faceless Society

Gallery Gora, Montréal, Canada – December 2008
Featuring: Abandoned Series

Creative Boost Gallery, Montréal, Canada – May 2009
Featuring: Abandoned, Unrestricted, Road to Freedom, City Life

South African Exhibitions
Everard Read Gallery, Cape Town – September 2009
Featuring: Abandoned, Unrestricted, Road to Freedom, City Life

Thompson Gallery, Johannesburg – July 2009
Solo Exhibition: A Child’s Gaze
Featuring: Endurance, Children from Geluk, Seaside Fantasy, Christmas Spirit

Gordart Gallery, Johannesburg – 2008–2009
Featuring: Abandoned, Urban Reflection, Unrestricted, Road to Freedom, City Life, Fingerprint Collection

CTAS, Cape Town – September 2008
Featuring: On the Move, Extremity, Abandoned

Kyk Art Space, Pretoria – June 2008
Featuring: Abandoned, Urban Reflection

Art on Karoo, Pretoria – June 2008
Featuring: Abandoned, Urban Reflection

Voir Gallery, Pretoria – September 2007
Featuring: Extremity, Abstract, Black Forest, Majestic Flow

Imaging Hub Gallery, Pretoria – October 2007
Featuring: Selected Landscape and Abstract Work

Linden Auditorium, Johannesburg – November 2007
Featurin...