Zara Newman is a self-taught illustrator and digital artist who works and lives in Cape Town, South Africa.
Zara has Marfan Syndrome, a genetic disorder that is life threatening. She has had multiple medical
procedures, including open heart surgery as well as four spine operations. She has used art to flee from the harshness of Marfan and chronic pain. Through her art, she has found her essence. Art has been her soulful journey towards emancipation.
Zara has a passion for creating contemporary style portraits that focus on life and the ways in which humans navigate the world. She attempts to capture human emotion and social justice themes through her art. Much of her recent work features people of colour.
As a creative, she’s constantly posed with the question as to what makes her artwork unique – what makes it different.
Whilst living as a disabled woman of colour in a country that’s post-apartheid, as well as being ranked one of the unsafest places for women to reside, she came to find that the world we’re living in isn’t always the kindest place. She’s often silenced when spoken, especially when it comes to race, gender, as well as mental and physical wellness. Her truth is delivered through her portraits. May she allow her own voice to be heard through her work, as she speaks on the difficulties faced in our societal structure’s today.