DRIAAN CLAASSEN

Driaan Claassen is a South African sculptor known for his innovative exploration of consciousness and the human psyche through materials like bronze, wood, and wire. Born in 1991 in Johannesburg, he honed his craft during an apprenticeship with Otto du Plessis at Bronze Age Foundry. 

His work has been showcased at renowned galleries and fairs, including Design Miami, Nirox Sculpture Park, and AIYA Collectible. Key achievements include his acclaimed solo exhibitions Forms of Silence (2022) and Complex Systems (2023), as well as his groundbreaking Digital Nomad Revolution thesis, which merges traditional techniques with digital innovation. 

Driaan’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of sculpture has been amplified through prestigious residencies, including the Villa-Legodi Centre for Sculpture, where he co-created Emergent Properties at Nirox Sculpture Park in 2023. His month-long residency at Quartier am Hafen in Cologne, supported by THK Gallery, marked a career milestone, culminating in his groundbreaking thesis, Digital Nomad Revolution. This project explored the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and digital tools, resulting in a series of digital-first artworks that challenge conventional notions of art and manufacturing. With a commitment to creating works that spark reflection and emotional resonance, Driaan continues to shape the contemporary art landscape both locally and internationally.

Driaan is the inaugural recipient of the Tyburn Foundation Affiliated Fellowship at Civitella Ranieri in 2025.