ARTIST • ILLUSTRATOR • WORLD BUILDER

My work is rooted in nature, observation, imagination, and play. I’m a storyteller who creates whimsical worlds which are brought to life in a variety of mediums.

Currently I’m immersed in the rich textures of fibre art. Using vivid colours to craft handmade tapestries using a tufting gun. These pieces range in style from abstract expressionistic, to symbol-driven graphic work. I am currently creating a series each unraveling a distinct “maxim”. I would describe my aesthetic as a blend of Cosmic Circus, with a playful and emotive dream like quality.

My artistic expression is an extension of nature: the natural world and the nature of self. Distilled through my lens of imagination, shaped by my experiences influenced and weathered with time.

Having spent long chapters of my life living in South Africa and Europe has provided me with an eclectic blend of experiences and influences to draw from. The vibrant colours and cultures of South Africa and the untamed beauty of Cape Town and the Western Cape collides with the culture and lush landscapes of regions of Europe and the UK. We moved around a lot, my mother, brother and I particularly in France, where I have rich early memories of living iin the countryside, in the enchanting woods in the Lot region. My mother used to weave wall hangings with a large wooden peddle loom, I have vivid memories of walking through this as a toddler which certainly planted the seeds for my fascination with tapestries.

My creative endeavours encompass short stories, poetry, handmade toys, printmaking, murals, diorama puppet shows which breathe life into limericks. I also am known by the pseudonym "Tonton," the french word for "uncle," affectionately given to me by my niece and nephew. Works under this umbrella often reflect my more playful side, coming to life in illustration.

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Maximillian Goldin, b. Cape Town, 1984, currently residing in Utrecht, Netherlands. He holds a degree in Graphic Design from the AAA School of Advertising. Max is the author and illustrator of the picture book "True North," an emotive tale of journey and self-discovery. The book launched at David Krut Projects, Montebello in Cape Town in 2015. https://www.maxgoldin.com/projects/true-north-2.

My grandmother, Alice Goldin, was a renowned South African artist, printmaker and painter. Her home was always filled with colourful characters and prominent artists of her generation. My great great grandfather, Samuel Brunner was a remarkable Czech painter.