In The Stories We Tell, Simon Venter weaves together biblical imagery with past and present South African narratives, reaffirming the enduring relevance of these stories in today’s world. This compelling solo exhibition, taking place at Sisonke Gallery in October, offers a powerful dialogue between sacred tradition, contemporary life, and emerging technology.Central to Venter’s creative process is the use of generative AI — not as a substitute for painting, but as a tool for reimagining composition and atmosphere.

By integrating AI, Venter unlocked unexpected visual possibilities, which he then reclaimed and transformed through his distinctive oil painting style. The result is a rich interplay between human intuition and digital logic, a space where old and new, spiritual and technological, converge. Born in 1997 and based in Gqeberha, Venter is a self-taught artist who has worked professionally for the past eight years. His growing recognition includes participation in the Nando’s Creative Exchange 2022, with an exhibition at the RMB Latitudes Art Fair. Rooted in traditional oil painting yet open to experimental approaches, Venter’s practice consistently investigates the human condition and our evolving relationship with technology. His work sits at the crossroads of art history, faith, and the digital future, offering audiences a reflective and visually arresting experience.