Arabella Caccia
Born in London in 1965, Arabella Caccia spent her early years in Tuscany before moving to Johannesburg for
her teenage years. This diverse upbringing laid the foundation for a rich and varied artistic journey. She studied
at Edinburgh University, followed by time in Florence, London, and New York. In 1990, Caccia returned to
South Africa, where she now lives and works in Cape Town.
Arabella Caccia’s work is profoundly influenced by her surroundings. She draws inspiration from the light of
Southern Africa and the tranquility of the wilderness, seeking peace and silence in nature's undisturbed
expanses. This quest for calm is reflected in her work, which embodies a sense of quiet and stillness.
A central tenet of Caccia's artistic philosophy is the importance of process. She believes that a deep, meditative
concentration during creation infuses her work with honesty, integrity, and powerful energy. Her approach is
rooted in an exploration of patterns found in the natural world, particularly in the play of light and dark on
form. Through extensive studies of trees - from the Baobab in Botswana to the ancient Milkwood and
Tsitsikamma forests of the Western Cape - Arabella Caccia has developed a unique artistic language. She
meticulously draws, takes molds, and creates prints of bark formations, uncovering an "alphabet of glyphs" that
she sees as universal. These glyphs, when further abstracted, form a script-like visual language that she uses to
create both two and three dimensional works.
Arabella Caccia’s work, which includes oil painting, embroidery, and sculpture, aims to create experiences that
echo those of nature. By immersing herself in the plant kingdom, rock formations, and landscapes, she seeks to
refine her expressive language and challenge her own artistic boundaries."My hope is that my work and the
journey that shaped it inspires others to cultivate a playful curiosity in nature," says Caccia.




