André Roodt

Born in Durban and now based in Bathurst in the Eastern Cape, André Roodt is a sculptor deeply attuned to the rhythms of nature. Surrounded by untouched bushveld and coastal landscapes, he draws inspiration from the raw beauty of his environment, allowing the land and sea to shape both his materials and his vision.
Roodt’s practice is rooted in the collection of indigenous hardwoods, bone, and stone—elements sculpted over time by wind, water, and tide. His coastal foraging yields a rich palette of materials, from whale bone and driftwood to metal and sandstone washed ashore from passing ships. These found objects often become the foundation for works that evoke the tension and movement of underwater moments or the flight of mythological beings.
Working primarily in wood, bone, and stone, Roodt carves slowly and intuitively, revealing the forms already present within the medium. His sculptures are guided not by trends but by a deep respect for the integrity of each material. The result is a body of work that celebrates inner beauty—bringing forth the colour, texture, and pattern hidden beneath the surface.
Roodt was one of six artists featured in the 2022 exhibition About Time at The Gallery at Grande Provence in Franschhoek, curated by Estelle Marais. Alongside fellow artists Diane McLean, Carl Roberts, Roxandra Dardagan Britz, Sharlé Matthews, and Mona Craven (née Lotz), the show reflected on the passage of time and the evolution of artistic vision.
His formative years were shaped by sculpture lecturer Jos Nel, who led immersive foraging excursions into the bush, mountains, rivers, and coastline—experiences that instilled a lasting appreciation for the natural materials that now define Roodt’s work.