Although born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Axel Abrahamse is of Germanic origin. After graduating from the German High School in Natal, Axel’s passion for painting took him to the renowned Ruth Prowse School of Art in Cape Town. Having completed his studies, Axel worked as an advertising creative director before holding his inaugural exhibition in 1993 at the First Gallery in Johannesburg. Axel then spent the next five years painting commissioned works for both the private and corporate sector, which included 15 architectural drawings for Stuttafords in Sandton City, the country’s premier shopping centre; and murals for the magnificent convention centre at Sun City, regarded as Africa’s Kingdom of Pleasure.

Since 1998, Axel has been based in Cape Town. In 2004, Axel was approached by Udo Landau from Act Art in Germany, a world-renowned event and productions company, and offered his first international exhibition at the prestigious Lenbach in Munich Palace, 2005. Axel’s work began gaining international recognition and popularity. And, in 2006, the Nicole Gallery in Chicago USA launched their new season featuring Axel’s works, one of which had already been sold in New York. Axel’s intimate fascination with the diverse cultures and people of Africa is what truly inspires his hand, clearly and beautifully evident in his Face of Africa collection. Yet, his ability to capture the inner essence, spirit and personalities of any subject is overwhelmingly powerful!