S A S C H A O L I V I E RS A M P S O N
O U T
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AAlchemy in the Abyss: Unveiling Hidden Depths
What mysteries lie beneath the surface? In Alchemy in the Abyss, Bernette Louw and Sascha Olivier-Sampson explore the depths of both the ocean and the mind, where light fades and shadows twist. As modern-day alchemists, they transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, inviting us into a dialogue with the unknown. Their art goes beyond simple representation, becoming a gateway to realms that blur the maritime lines between reality and imagination
Sascha's work, inspired by the ocean ’ s hidden layers, captures the fluid nature of existence. Her acrylic paintings, manipulated with heat and mixed materials, reveal an abstract world where colour and form move with gravity. The viewer is called to look closer, discovering faces, shapes, and emotions within the depths of her pieces Bernette’s sculptures delve deeper into the abyss. Using paper mâché, she creates intricate forms resembling sea creatures from a mysterious world. Her creations, though often imagined, evoke the strange beauty of life in uncharted waters.
Curator Andrea Behnsen highlights the relevance of maritime themes in Namibia’s current environmental and industrial climate. Alchemy in the Abyss invites viewers to explore transformation and mystery, reminding us of the vast unknown beneath the waves.
My artistic journey thrives at the intersection of paper and nature. Specializing in paper mâché, I craft both whimsical sculptures and functional pieces that celebrate the organic forms and unique textures of the natural world
What captivates me about paper mâché is the transformation it offers how simple materials evolve into something enduring, textured, and evocative. I'm particularly inspired by natural patterns, and I’m excited to explore color more deeply in future works
For this exhibition, my focus is on marine life. The ocean, in all its power and mystery, constantly inspires me from the immense force of a storm to the calm serenity it can evoke. I am fascinated by the tiny treasures that wash ashore and the unknown creatures that dwell in the deep The ocean fills me with wonder, and this awe stems from my strong connection to it, having grown up in Walvis Bay
In my larger pieces, I integrate dried seaweed to create texture in the wet paper mâché, while in the smaller, more intricate works, I incorporate natural elements like tiny shells and starfish. Some pieces also feature a touch of decoupage to add color and vibrancy
One of the things I value most about working with paper mâché is its eco-friendly nature. By repurposing waste paper and using minimal, non-toxic ingredients, my process remains both sustainable and accessible, relying primarily on hands-on craftsmanship Once dried— sun and air-dried over a few days the resulting pieces are durable, strong, and even fire-resistant.
Through my art, I aim to capture the beauty of nature while championing an environmentally conscious approach to creativity. B E R N E T T E L O U W
Round vessel - Ripples AA01
Paper Mâché
340 x 310 x 310mm
NAD 2,250 00
235 x 80 x 80mm
Vase - Barnacles on a bottle
Paper Mâché
Paper Mâché
420 x 220 x 225mm
NAD 2,450 00
Vase - Coral
Vase - Sea slug AA04
Paper Mâché
425 x 150 x 150mm
NAD 1,500 00
Vessel - Waves
Paper Mâché
190 x 180 x 180mm NAD
Vessel - Shallow waters AA06
Paper Mâché
240 x 230 x 230mm
NAD 1,250 00
Tea light - Ripples and light
Paper Mâché
135 x 150 x 150mm NAD
Paper Mâché
190 x 100 x 100mm
Tea light - Sea garden I AA08
Paper Mâché
190 x 100 x 100mm
Tea light - Sea garden II
AA09
Decorative plate - Wave of little treasures
Paper Mâché
55 x 300 x 300mm
NAD 1,800 00
AA10
300 x 150 x 140mm
NAD 1,250 00
Sculpture - Tall Anemone
AA11
Paper Mâché
Sculpture - Cute bottom feeder
175 x 160 x 160mm
NAD 1,250 00
AA13
Paper Mâché
Sculpture - I bite
Paper Mâché
350 x 100 x 310mm
NAD 2,500 00
AA14
360 x 70 x 160mm
NAD 1,100 00
Sculpture - Deep sea Anglerfish
AA15
Paper Mâché
Paper Mâché
290 x 210 x 210mm
NAD 1,400 00
Vase - Lettuce Sea slug AA16
Paper Mâché
315 x 280 x 280mm
NAD 1,950 00
Vessel - Beach Sand AA17
Vessel - Beach Basket AA18
Paper Mâché
245 x 210 x 210mm
NAD 1,300 00
Vessel/sculpture -Tides AA19
Paper Mâché
80 x 270 x 200mm
NAD 1,700 00
Wood and Paper Mâché
320 x 40 x 110mm
NAD 1,000 00
Whale I AA20
Wood and Paper Mâché
320 x 45 x 120mm
NAD 1,000 00
Whale II AA21
Wood and Paper Mâché
295 x 35 x 110mm
NAD 1,000 00
Whale III AA22
Wood and Paper Mâché
280 x 40 x 110mm
NAD 1,000 00
Whale IV
Wood and Paper Mâché
260x 30 x 95mm
NAD 1,000 00
Whale
110 x 170 x 240mm
Rock with barnacles AA25
Paper Mâché
Vessel/tea light with shells AA26
Paper Mâché
130 x 145 x 145mm NAD
Small vessel - Sea fronds
Paper Mâché
125 x 130 x 130mm
NAD
195 x 250 x 270mm NAD
Sea Drum AA28
Paper Mâché
Paper Mâché
265 x 135 x 135mm
NAD 1,250 00
Candle Stick I
Paper Mâché
265 x 135 x 135mm
NAD 1,250 00
Candle Stick II
Little holder with leaves
Paper Mâché
35 x 140 x 150mm NAD
Holder of treasures
Paper Mâché
180 x 140 x 145mm NAD
Little holder of treasures
Paper Mâché
130 x 120 x 120mm
NAD 850 00
Paper Mâché
135 x 200 x 210mm
NAD 1,300 00
Seaside village
Bait Ball - rotatable on a stand
Mâché
850 x 500 x 500mm
NAD 4,350 00
Paper Mâché
710 x 350 x 420mm
NAD 3,050.00
Frilly pufferfish AA36
printed plate
Paper Mâché
15 x 130 x 190mm
NAD 250.00
Seaweed
AA37
Vessel - When the tide goes out
Paper Mâché
350 x 350 x 350mm NAD 2,100.00
Sascha Olivier-Sampson’s collection draws inspiration from the ocean, focusing on its dynamic moods, vastness, and emotional impact. Central to the theme is the color blue, which she uses to express both the serenity and the powerful, sometimes overwhelming force of the sea The work explores the sensations of being submerged underwater, capturing the calm of submersion, the anxiety of the ocean ’ s dark depths, the life forms that dwell within, and the exhilaration of surfacing.
Her return to visual arts, following a career in performance and fashion, presents this collection as a reflection of her longstanding fascination with movement. The pieces offer an immersive experience, blending visual storytelling with the fluidity of the sea. In addition to the artworks, she incorporates her MGDS (Moon Goddess Design Studio) kimonos, the fashion pieces that helped launch her brand, into the exhibit This addition provides a tactile, enveloping layer to the experience, allowing viewers to not only witness the ocean ’ s essence but also wear it as a form of art. Through this collection, Sascha aims to convey a full sensory journey, from the calm of the ocean ’ s surface to the depths where anxiety and wonder reside. S A S C H A O L I V I E RS A M P S O N
Strait Through AA40
Acrylic on canvas
910 x 910mm NAD 9,850 00
Bubbling To The Surface
Acrylic on canvas
910 x 910mm
NAD 9,850 00
Centropyge AA42
Acrylic on canvas 910 x 910mm
Agitation
Ocean
Acrylic on canvas 910 x 910mm NAD 9,850 00
Between Mountains
Crashing AA45
Acrylic on canvas
750 x 600mm NAD 8,500 00
Manta Ray AA46
Acrylic on canvas
500 x 415mm NAD 7,550 00
Face In The Water
Acrylic on canvas
x
700 x 500mm
NAD 8,250 00
Exocoetidae AA48
Acrylic on canvas
Medusozoa
Acrylic on canvas
La Mer Labyrinth
Acrylic on canvas
760 x 605mm
600 x 600mm NAD 8,050.00
Liquid Tomb AA51
Acrylic on canvas
Midnight Tide AA52
Acrylic on canvas
In A Downward Whelk
Calypso AA54
Acrylic on canvas
Get In The Water
Submerged
Acrylic
Blood In The Water
Storm In The Water
Lophiiformes In The Deep Blue
Acrylic on canvas 455 x 355mm
Ocean Eye View Triptych AA60
Acrylic on canvas
250 x 250mm (x3)
NAD 6,850.00
Ocean Eye View Triptych (Left)
AA60
Acrylic on canvas
250 x 250mm
Ocean Eye View Triptych (Centre)
AA60
Acrylic on canvas
250 x 250mm
Ocean Eye View Triptych (Right)
AA60
Acrylic on canvas
250 x 250mm
Vermilion Miles To Shore Triptych
AA61
Acrylic on canvas
200 x 200mm (x3)
NAD 6,700.00
Vermilion Miles To Shore Triptych (Top)
AA61
Acrylic on canvas
200 x 200mm
Vermilion Miles To Shore Triptych (Centre)
AA61
Acrylic on canvas
200 x 200mm
Vermilion Miles To Shore Triptych (Bottom)
AA61
Acrylic on canvas
200 x 200mm
One size fits all
Kimono 1
Hand Dyed Muslin
Hand Dyed Muslin
One size fits all
Kimono 2 AA63
Hand Dyed Viscose
One size fits all
Kimono 3 AA64
Hand Dyed Muslin
One size fits all
Kimono 4
Hand Dyed Muslin
One size fits all
Kimono 5
Hand Dyed Muslin
One size fits all
Kimono 6
For more information visit www.bellhaus.art
Prices in this catalogue exclude shipping and are in namibian Dollars.
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