Lesley Bergère was born in Pretoria, South Africa. Her natural talent and passion for art came at an early age. She pursued formal studies at the Johannesburg College of Art before embarking on a more intuitive journey of artistic exploration. Rather than adhering to formal guidelines, Bergère's approach is rooted in responding instinctively to her environment, her creative impulses, and the essence of art itself. This has allowed her to create work that embodies a profound sense of presence and spiritual depth.
Her paintings are featured in private collections across the globe, including London, Italy, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Peru, Scandinavia, and Japan. Bergère's work is also part of the prestigious State Theatre Art Museum Collection in Pretoria, South Africa. Working on a commission basis, she creates for private collectors and corporate clients alike. She has hosted numerous solo exhibitions, each centred on themes that reflect her evolving artistic journey.
Bergère's paintings serve as a visual language of the soul, employing metaphysical symbolism to invite diverse interpretations. She imbues objects and imagery with inner value, elevating their significance through the suggestion of an inherent mysticism.
"An artwork is much like a portal,
though which living essence flows."
Lesley Bergère
though which living essence flows."
Lesley Bergère
Inspiration
From an early age, drawing and painting became my silent voice and refuge—a space where I could explore and reflect. My paintings are an expression of feelings, perceptions, and various states of being, transcending my personal journey to examine universal themes.
There is always an element of mystery in an artwork. Paintings do indeed have a life of their own. Most often, the idea, concept, feeling, or impulse that motivates the first line or brushstroke becomes a gateway to a greater spirit of inspiration that moves through. I become instrumental to a process of something greater unfolding.
"...to be creative requires a combination
of Divine inspiration and
the very nature of being human."
of Divine inspiration and
the very nature of being human."
Lesley Bergère
The Sacred Andean Tradition
The voice of the Sacred Andean tradition first inspired me to formulate my convictions into a personal philosophy. This tradition revealed a gentle yet powerful way of life rooted in reverence for the sacred nature of existence. It emphasises the living intelligence of all things as both interrelated and interconnected—so that the wind, stones, mountains, rivers, and trees are alive.
I am deeply moved by this intimate communion between ourselves and the forces of nature. It is a poetic realm that engages all our senses and invites us to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Great Silence, from which all things arise.
Advaita Vendanta
I found myself further led into the philosophical study of Advaita Vendanta, opening up a deeper dimension of inquiry into the ultimate awareness of our true and essential nature.
Evermore compelled to uncover and surrender to the nature of this Divine essence as it relates to our human existence, this naturally influences the perception and purpose of my work.
I am compelled to express a sense of hope and vision—one that emerges from within the turbulent forces of this physical world.
"May you walk gently on the earth
and know its beauty all the days of your life."
Of ancient origin
Exhibitions
‘Roots and Wings’
Studio 12, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2000
Studio 12, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2000
‘Journey to the Magician’
Mind, Body and Soul, London, United Kingdom | 2000
Mind, Body and Soul, London, United Kingdom | 2000
‘Finding the Gift’
Stoepe Gallery, Pretoria, South Africa | 2001
Stoepe Gallery, Pretoria, South Africa | 2001
‘Grace’
Studio 12, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2002
Studio 12, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2002
‘Transition’
Studio 12, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2003
Studio 12, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2003
‘Out of the Silence’
Afromania, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2004
Afromania, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2004
‘Ode to Women’
Sate Theatre, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2005
Variety of Artists SAAA, Pretoria | 2005
Sate Theatre, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2005
Variety of Artists SAAA, Pretoria | 2005
‘Lost and Found’
Studio Bella, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2006
Studio Bella, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2006
Collaborative Exhibition
The Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2007
Variety of Artists
The Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2007
Variety of Artists
Collaborative Exhibition
Casta Diva, Pretoria, South Africa | 2008
Variety of Artists
Casta Diva, Pretoria, South Africa | 2008
Variety of Artists
‘Transmutation’
Art on Karoo Gallery, Pretoria, South Africa | 2008
Art on Karoo Gallery, Pretoria, South Africa | 2008
Collaborative Exhibition
Roselyn Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2008
Variety of Artists
Roselyn Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2008
Variety of Artists
‘Transmutation’
Rosely Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2008
Rosely Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2008
‘Changing States’
Art One-Sixty, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2010
Art One-Sixty, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2010