“My work is a celebration of imagination, humour, and the everyday characters that shape our world.”
Mark Chapman is a self-taught South African artist whose whimsical, character-driven sculptures blend elements of cartoon and pop art with thoughtful reflections on social and environmental issues. His path into the art world has been anything but conventional—a journey shaped by resilience, reinvention, and an enduring creative spark.
Born in Kimberley, Mark grew up in the small mining towns of Stilfontein and Klerksdorp. These close-knit communities fostered his appreciation for storytelling and the everyday personalities that would later influence his artistic style. As a child, he was drawn to sketching and visual expression. Though he later began studying graphic design, he soon realised that the constraints of formal training did not align with his creative instincts.
After completing South Africa’s compulsory two-year military service, Mark entered the gold mining industry, where he spent more than two decades working as a production foreman. While the work was far removed from the world of art, his creativity remained quietly present in the background.
Later, he transitioned into the training industry, co-founding a domestic training business with his partner. It was during this period of change that a friend gave him a bag of clay and encouraged him to “have a play”. That simple gift sparked a new chapter in his life.
Mark began taking basic pottery lessons, exploring the medium with curiosity and enthusiasm. His distinctive, playful style soon caught the eye of someone in the local art community, leading to an introduction to a gallerist. After seeing his work, the gallerist invited him to participate in a group exhibition—and from that point, Mark’s career as an artist took flight.
His work is known for its sense of fun and whimsy, often featuring bold, exaggerated forms and expressive characters. Drawing on influences from cartoons, pop culture, and everyday life, his sculptures also explore deeper themes related to conservation, the environment, and contemporary social issues.
More recently, Mark has begun to experiment with digital tools, using artificial intelligence as a creative springboard. Inspired by AI-generated imagery, he reimagines these digital concepts in tactile, hand-built sculptures that retain his signature warmth and humour.
Although not formally trained, Mark’s intuitive approach and distinctive voice have earned him increasing recognition in the contemporary art scene. His work stands as a joyful celebration of imagination, personal transformation, and the belief that it’s never too late to follow one’s creative calling.