Born in London in 1965, Arabella Caccia spent her early years in Tuscany before moving to Johannesburg for her teenage years. This diverse upbringing laid the foundation for a rich and varied artistic journey. She studied at Edinburgh University, followed by time in Florence, London, and New York. In 1990, Caccia returned to South Africa, where she now lives and works in Cape Town.
Arabella Caccia’s work is profoundly influenced by her surroundings. She draws inspiration from the light of Southern Africa and the tranquility of the wilderness, seeking peace and silence in nature's undisturbed expanses. This quest for calm is reflected in her art, which embodies a sense of quiet and stillness.
A central tenet of Caccia's artistic philosophy is the importance of process. She believes that a deep, meditative concentration during creation infuses her work with honesty, integrity, and powerful energy. Her approach is rooted in an exploration of patterns found in the natural world, particularly the play of light and dark on forms. Through extensive studies of trees - from the Baobab in Botswana to the ancient Milkwood and Tsitsikamma forests of the Western Cape - Arabella Caccia has developed a unique artistic language. She meticulously draws, takes molds, and creates prints of bark formations, uncovering an "alphabet of glyphs" that she sees as universal forms. These glyphs, when further abstracted, form a script-like visual language that she uses to create both two- and three-dimensional works.
Arabella Caccia’s art, which includes oil paintings, embroidery, and mixed media sculptures, aims to create experiences that echo those of nature itself. By immersing herself in the plant kingdom, rock formations, and landscapes, she seeks to refine her expressive language and challenge her own artistic boundaries.
"My hope is that my art and the journey that shaped it inspires others to cultivate a playful curiosity about nature," says Caccia. "I believe that focused, meditative creation leads to work of honesty and integrity. Through my work, I aim to invite others to experience the beauty and magic of nature with the same appreciation I've been fortunate to encounter. It is my hope that my creations serve as a bridge, connecting people to the beauty and magic of the natural world."
By immersing herself in wild places, undisturbed by human activity, Caccia seeks to deepen her exploration of the natural world, its flora, rock and land formations, and so refine and challenge the language and the expression of her work.