SÉNÉCHAL-SENEKAL
THE ARTIST
THE FULL
PICTURE
Junaid Sénéchal-Senekal is recognized as a Postmodern Fine Artist. However, he is also identified as a Conceptual Artist, as his work frequently intersects with postmodernism. An artist who merges postmodern features with fine art may be labelled a conceptual artist. In Junaid’s case, he integrates emotional depth and expression into his abstract and figurative art while employing postmodern methods.
the secret to
SILVER
Junaid’s work is distinguished by his innovative use of silver, a technique that sets his artwork apart within the contemporary art scene. His meticulous process of layering imported silver metallic onto wooden board canvases creates a striking sense of luxury and intrigue, which is further enhanced by the rich textures that emerge from the careful application of the medium. The silver is not merely an aesthetic choice but a deliberate tool for deepening the emotional resonance of his pieces, drawing the viewer’s attention and inviting a more intimate engagement with the work.
The background of his compositions is composed of 16 layers of white paint, each layer hand-sanded with precision using sandpaper, a process that can take up to five working days to complete. This labor-intensive technique results in a surface that possesses a unique tactile quality, where the interaction between light and texture adds a dynamic, almost ethereal quality to the final piece. Junaid’s careful use of white space around the subject matter not only enhances the visual impact but also evokes a heightened emotional response from the viewer, encouraging reflection and a deeper connection with the artwork.
In addition to the silver and layering process, Junaid employs acrylic paint for his compositions, which dries in 20 seconds, allowing for the creation of scratch effects through etching. This quick-drying technique ensures that each piece is entirely original, as the process of creating these effects is impossible to replicate, making every artwork a unique creation. Junaid’s approach is not only technically sophisticated but also conceptually grounded in his desire to create art that is both visually captivating and emotionally evocative, offering a distinctive contribution to contemporary fine art.
This curatorial perspective highlights the technical mastery behind Junaid’s work while emphasizing the conceptual depth and emotional engagement his art elicits. It provides insight into his innovative process and the unique qualities that define his art.
JUNAID
SÉNÉCHAL-SENEKAL
Born in Cape Town, South Africa, in July 1978, Junaid Sénéchal-Senekal has cultivated a lifelong passion for the arts. His artistic journey began at the tender age of five, when he first picked up a paintbrush, and he has since developed an impressive and diverse body of work. Junaid’s formal art career took shape after he graduated with distinction in Art from DF Malan High School, marking the beginning of his professional path in the creative world.
Eager to deepen his artistic knowledge and skills, Junaid furthered his education at the University of Cape Town (UCT), where he participated in the Art Summer School 1997. He then went on to earn a Hirt & Carter Graphic Art Diploma, majoring in Graphic Technique in 1998. This solid foundation in graphic art laid the groundwork for Junaid’s diverse artistic practice, which blends traditional fine art with contemporary techniques to create emotionally evocative and visually striking works.
WORK THAT SPANS
THE GLOBE
Junaid’s artistic journey has crossed borders, earning him recognition both locally and globally for his distinctive and emotive style. In his home country, he has made a notable impact through significant public art projects, including his murals at the Kidney Unit at Tygerberg Hospital and the Alta du Toit Centre, where his creations add both aesthetic appeal and emotional depth to these vital spaces. Moreover, his Big Five Animal artworks have attracted considerable attention from corporate collectors, further establishing him as a key figure in the South African art scene.
On the international stage, Junaid’s work has found its place among some of the most renowned figures in modern art history. His pieces have been showcased alongside works by Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, and Pablo Picasso, signifying his inclusion in the wider art discourse. His distinctive style—marked by a blend of abstract and figurative elements, along with profound emotional depth—has captivated collectors worldwide, who appreciate his work not only for its visual allure but also for its conceptual richness and cultural importance.
Junaid’s global recognition reached new heights with his participation in Art Basel Miami in 2016, where his work distinguished itself among the best contemporary art from around the globe. This exposure represented a crucial turning point in his career, reinforcing his status in the international art market. In 2017, his ongoing success was further acknowledged with the Spotlight Artists Award in New York City, an honor that highlighted his innovative approach and increasing influence within the art community.
Most notably, Junaid’s work has been embraced by the royal family of Abu Dhabi, where it is now part of the private collection of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brother, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Having his artwork displayed in the palaces of such prestigious figures is a significant honor and a testament to the global importance and recognition of Junaid’s creations.
This version, crafted from a curatorial viewpoint, highlights Junaid’s international acclaim and standing within the global art community. It emphasizes his impact in both public and private realms, his prominent exhibitions, and his integration into the larger art conversation, while also accentuating the conceptual richness and emotional depth of his work. The mention of royal acknowledgment further enhances his status as a globally esteemed artist.
INSPIRED BY
AFRICA
Junaid’s work is a powerful reflection of his deep connection to the landscapes and wildlife of South Africa, with a particular focus on the Big Five—most notably the elephant and rhino. His artistry is defined by an extraordinary attention to the intricate textures of these creatures, especially their skin, which he captures with remarkable precision through his unique silver technique. This method, developed through his firsthand interactions with the animals, allows Junaid to evoke a sense of tactile realism and intimate understanding. His ability to freeze a moment in time, encapsulating the power and elegance of these majestic animals, is a testament to his exceptional technical skill and deep empathy for his subjects.
In his African Reflexions Series, Junaid delves into the symbolism of the African elephant, not just as a subject of natural beauty, but as a symbol of strength, wisdom, and matriarchal unity. The series explores the profound connection between the elephant and the African landscape, using horizontal lines, zebra stripes, and feminine forms to convey the nurturing, yet powerful, spirit of the elephant matriarch. Junaid’s work speaks to the interconnectedness between the land, its creatures, and the cultural heritage of Africa, making a poignant statement about the resilience and unity that define the African continent.
The artist’s use of negative space is a key feature in his work, allowing for a dynamic balance between form and void, creating a sense of openness and fluidity that invites the viewer to engage more deeply with the subject matter. His palette, rich in warm, earthy tones, evokes the colors of the African sun and the soil, grounding his compositions in the physical and spiritual essence of the land. Through these elements, Junaid’s art becomes not only a celebration of Africa’s wildlife but also an homage to the continent’s heritage, spirit, and enduring beauty.
