Santie Cronje is a contemporary artist who has been exhibiting in New Zealand galleries since 2008, her early symbolic works exploring themes of settling into a new country and finding one's place within it. The year 2019 and the subsequent global pandemic marked a significant shift in her artistic expression. Santie shifted gears back to a more expressive style, reminiscent of her work prior to making New Zealand her home in 1999.

For the next few years, she dedicated herself to painting landscapes, paying homage to the beautiful scenery of her adopted country. However, Santie felt a profound need to reconnect more intimately through her art, which led her to look inward. Her most recent pieces have evolved into a form of visual journaling. Just as writing aids in making sense of our deepest thoughts, Santie's process of creating visual diaries through her artwork enables her to gradually unveil and discover deeper feelings. This approach not only fosters personal introspection, but also builds a bridge to those who engage with her art, offering viewers an opportunity to connect with their own emotions and stories.