“The faster we move, the less we see the details.”

Riaan van Zyl works with materials like old car oil, charcoal, captured carbon, and exhaust ink to explore the relationship between motion and stillness. His paintings and mixed media pieces seem to vibrate with energy, yet they hold time still—like watching a film in slow motion. Through this, he invites the viewer to pause and really look, to notice what’s usually missed in the rush of everyday life.

Much of Riaan’s inspiration comes from ordinary surroundings. He enjoys breaking down familiar ideas and reimagining them with unconventional materials. His work is both instinctive and deliberate, built on curiosity, patience, and a fascination with how we perceive movement and meaning.

Right now, he’s experimenting with ways to introduce interactivity into his work, exploring how collaboration and motion can shape a piece in real time. It’s part of his ongoing interest in pushing the boundaries of how art is made and experienced.

Riaan exhibits both locally and internationally, and his work is part of several respected collections around the world.