Alchemy in the Abyss Catalogue

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

Paper Mâché

420 x 220 x 225mm

NAD 2,450 00

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

Paper Mâché

190 x 100 x 100mm

Decorative plate - Wave of little treasures

Paper Mâché

55 x 300 x 300mm

NAD 1,800 00

300 x 150 x 140mm

NAD 1,250 00

Sculpture - Cute bottom feeder

175 x 160 x 160mm

NAD 1,250 00

Sculpture - I bite

Paper Mâché

350 x 100 x 310mm

NAD 2,500 00

360 x 70 x 160mm

NAD 1,100 00

Paper Mâché

290 x 210 x 210mm

NAD 1,400 00

Paper Mâché

315 x 280 x 280mm

NAD 1,950 00

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

Wood and Paper Mâché

320 x 45 x 120mm

NAD 1,000 00

Wood and Paper Mâché

295 x 35 x 110mm

NAD 1,000 00

Wood and Paper Mâché

280 x 40 x 110mm

NAD 1,000 00

Wood and Paper Mâché

260x 30 x 95mm

NAD 1,000 00

110 x 170 x 240mm

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

Paper Mâché

265 x 135 x 135mm

NAD 1,250 00

Paper Mâché

265 x 135 x 135mm

NAD 1,250 00

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

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

printed plate

Paper Mâché

15 x 130 x 190mm

NAD 250.00

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

Bubbling To The Surface

Agitation

Between Mountains

700 x 500mm

NAD 8,250 00

600 x 600mm NAD 8,050.00

In A Downward Whelk

Get In The Water

Submerged

Blood In The Water

Storm In The Water

Lophiiformes In The Deep Blue

Ocean Eye View Triptych AA60

Ocean Eye View Triptych (Centre)

One size fits all

Hand Dyed Muslin

One size fits all

Hand Dyed Viscose

One size fits all

Hand Dyed Muslin

One size fits all

Hand Dyed Muslin

One size fits all

Hand Dyed Muslin

One size fits all

For more information visit www.bellhaus.art

Prices in this catalogue exclude shipping and are in namibian Dollars.

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