Ayla Senekal is a multidisciplinary artist working across painting, video, photography, animation, and drawing. Through her practice, she explores themes of individuality, self-perception, mental health, and the complexities of human connection, often using the female form—including self-portraiture—as a lens for introspection. Recurring motifs of nature and the vastness of the universe invite viewers to reflect on their place within the cosmos, while her video and animation works delve into the subtleties of emotion, choice, and action, capturing the quiet, private moments of the human experience.

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Inspired by psychology, science, and nature, her work also engages with pressing contemporary issues such as climate change, the struggles of individuals, and the impact of industrialisation, technology, and consumerism on modern life. Her artistic process is a dynamic fusion of colour, contrast, and texture, balancing control and spontaneity to create works that are both visually striking and deeply contemplative.

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Ayla Senekal holds a BA in Fine Art from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. She has exhibited her work in various settings, including her university’s graduate show, August House Open Studios, and group exhibitions with platforms such as Purple Gallery, Between 10and5, and ArtThrob. Recently, she participated in a linocut printmaking workshop, with her work and reflections set to be featured in an upcoming publication. Her art has also been highlighted in publications like Bubblegum Club. Through her work. 

 

Ayla Senekal aims to provoke thought, wonder, and sometimes humour, while fostering a sense of connection and understanding among viewers. She hopes her art can serve as a mirror, reflecting the shared experiences and emotions that make us human, and reminding us that we are not alone in our journeys.