Niki Mcqueen

I am a disabled visual artist based in Cape Town, South Africa, working in richly detailed, symbolically layered surrealism. My practice emerged and deepened during the Covid-19 pandemic—a time of internal retreat and creative resilience. I developed a unique process that blends digital collage, hand-printing, and meticulous hand-drawing on heavy archival paper. Each piece undergoes a 10–12 step process, incorporating inks, charcoal, and fine liner to create textured, immersive works that invite slow looking and deep feeling.

The themes in my work are varied and deeply personal, shaped by a life lived intensely. They explore what it means to be an atypical person in a neurotypical world, the horrors humans are capable of, lost loves, and a conflicted relationship with systems like patriarchy and organized religion. My art also gives voice to deep anger around economic, cultural, and gender injustices, while holding space for dreamscapes, wish-fulfilment, and the imagination of a perpetually curious child. From moments of sublime joy to the echoes of trauma, my lived experience is woven through every piece—where words have failed, the work has spoken.

Since childhood, I’ve been drawn to the edges of understanding—to places just be...

I studied art at school and have participated in several adult art courses since then. The techniques and processes I use to create my artworks are relatively unique, and were developed and pioneered from teachings from the courses over several years.

I obtained my Masters Degree in Marine Biology at university (University of Cape Town), followed by several courses in desktop publishing and graphic design during the course of my working life.

2020: Deep South Community Exhibition
Scarborough, Cape Town, South Africa


2021: Coming Home Exhibition
Imibala Gallery, Graaff Reinet, South Africa


2021: Vuleka Award Top 40
ArtB Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa


2021: Dreams & Dreamscapes group exhibition
Bright Street Gallery, Somerset West, South Africa


2021: Sasol New Signatures Top 100
Pretoria Art Museum, Pretoria, South Africa


2021: Deep South Community Exhibition
Scarborough, Cape Town, South Africa


2022: Ideas Cartel First Thursdays
Brunch, Cape Town, South Africa


2022: Member’s Exhibition, ArtB
ArtB Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa


2022: Vuleka Award Top 40
ArtB Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa (2 pieces)


2023: South African representative at the Zeearts Art Connects Women DARE TO DREAM exhibition
Le Patio, Al Habtoor Palace, Dubai, U.A.E


2024: Member’s Exhibition, ArtB
ArtB Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa


2024: MILK Exhibition, Kingsbridge Art
Kingsbridge Art, Cape Town, South Africa


2024: Vuleka Award Top 40
ArtB Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa (2 pieces)


2024: Unleashed! Feminine Rage
The Viewing Room Art Gallery, Pretoria, South Africa (4 pieces)