Artist Biography

Minette van Rooyen-Zaaiman
2 August 1934 - 25 February 2026

The respected artist, Minette van Rooyen-Zaaiman, passed away on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. Over more than 60 years of continuous artistic dedication, she earned recognition within art circles for her exceptional drawings, watercolour paintings, and ceramic works. Her pieces are included in numerous public and private collections, and she was acknowledged by art enthusiasts, fellow artists, ceramicists, students, and the staff and members of the Association of Arts Pretoria.

Minette's positive attitude and commitment were highly valued within the Association. She consistently motivated her students through her art and ceramic classes. A hallmark of a distinguished artist lies not solely in talent or originality, but in sustained dedication to creative exploration and reinterpretation. When passion is combined with talent and originality, one encounters an extraordinary artist; Minette exemplified this standard.

Minette's works bear testimony of her love to travel to far countries and distant places and her excitement to look at landscapes, architectural scenes and still lives, always with impeccable style, graceful lines and a sure knowledge and understanding of her media. It is no wonder that over all these years as an art teacher, she has inspired and encouraged so many artists.

Artist CV

Born 1934 in Rustenburg

Studies

1952-55: Pretoria Technical College, under Thelma van Schalkwyk, Robert Hodgins (qv) and Dulcie Campbell.

1956-57: St Martin's School of Art, London.

1957-58: Munich Academy, West Germany, under Professor Erich Glette.

Profile

1982-85: Borthern Transvaal and National Chairman of of the APSA (now known as Ceramics Southern Africa).

1960-62: Lecturer at Pretoria Technical College (now known as Tshwane University of Technology).

1978: Part-time lecturer at the University of Pretoria.

1981: Travelled to Japan.

1983: Travelled to Greece and Namibia.

1985: Travelled to Botswana

Selected Exhibitions

Minette van Rooyen-Zaaiman has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions in South Africa and West Germany. She held her first solo exhibition at the University of Pretoria in 1951 and participated in the Republic Festival exhibition in 1981.

Collections

Pietersberg Collection; Pretoria Art Museum; University of Pretoria; Willem Annandale Art Gallery; Lichtenberg and in numerous private collections.