The Creative Vision of Arabella Caccia
Art has long been a medium through which individuals explore their inner worlds, translate emotions, and connect with the broader universe. For Arabella Caccia, a visionary sculptor and multimedia artist, art is deeply intertwined with her journey - both physical and spiritual. Her collaboration with Everard Read on Leeu Estates is a testament to the profound influence of nature on her work and her commitment to exploring its intricate patterns and stories.
A Transformative Journey Through Southern Africa
In 2023, Arabella and her husband, Johann van der Schijff - a renowned artist, sculptor, and photographer - embarked on a transformative journey across Southern Africa. For Johann, it was a sabbatical from academia; for Arabella, it was a pilgrimage of healing and rediscovery following an intense six-month battle with cancer. This odyssey allowed her to reconnect with nature, away from the cacophony of urban life, and to rediscover the essence of her creativity.
Throughout their travels, Arabella encountered majestic eagles that became silent companions, inspiring her “Mapiko/Wing” series. Observing the Fish Eagles of Lake Malawi, she was struck by their commanding presence, their piercing gazes, and the haunting calls that echo freedom and vitality. Her quick ink sketches captured these moments, later evolving into bronze sculptures that celebrate the eagle’s spirit and strength.
The beauty of Southern Africa is not only in its grand vistas, but also in its intricate details. For Arabella, the luminescent blue fish of Lake Malawi and the vast Liuwa Plains of Zambia provided moments of inspiration amidst challenging travels. These gifts of nature became the foundation for her delicate embroidery series, such as the “Little Fishes,” which mirror her appreciation for the small yet profound wonders of the natural world.
The Universal Language of Patterns
Arabella’s fascination with patterns began in 2015 during a trip to Botswana, where she studied the textures of baobab tree bark. Through silicon moulds and detailed pencil drawings, she uncovered repeating fractal shapes that transcend individual species, appearing in lichen, rock formations, and even splash marks. These discoveries inform her sculptural works, where she carves wax forms that are cast in bronze and assembled into dynamic, three-dimensional creations.
Her approach celebrates the “alphabet of forms” found in the natural world, blending authenticity with playful creativity. These shapes, rooted in the universe’s fundamental architecture, imbue her sculptures with a timeless resonance.
Arabella’s artistic practice spans sculpture, stitching, and string. Each medium offers her a unique avenue for expression and play. Her childhood memories of crafting toys from fabric, twigs, and buttons have blossomed into a career where intuitive exploration remains central. By working with materials unburdened by art historical precedent, she accesses a freedom that fuels her imagination.
Leeu Collection Collaboration
Arabella’s relationship with Everard Read on Leeu Estates began in 2021, with a collection of 12 circular, wall-mounted sculptures inspired by falling constellations. Her recent exhibition, “To Lake Tanganyika and Back” (March 2024), showcased her Southern African journey through sculptures, embroidery, and works on paper. The gallery’s museum-like setting provided the perfect stage for her creations, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in her artistic vision.
Looking Ahead
Arabella’s next exhibition at Everard Read London, slated for April 2025, promises to be a continuation of her exploration of nature’s beauty. Inspired by travels in Southern Africa, Sri Lanka, and Ilha de Mozambique, her new works will highlight the delicate resilience of coral reefs, a poignant reminder of the urgent need for environmental conservation.
Through her art, Caccia seeks to awaken a playful curiosity and a profound appreciation for the natural world. Her journey, shaped by challenges and triumphs, is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring magic of nature.
Her hope is that her creations will serve as a bridge, connecting people to the beauty and wonder of the environment. As we marvel at her work, we are reminded of our own responsibility to cherish and protect the world around us, nurturing the same sense of wonder that fuels her artistry.
