Wilma Cruise is a prominent South African sculptor, visual artist, and writer recognised for her large-scale, life-sized figures in clay and bronze. Her work explores the complex relationships between humans and animals, the challenges of communication and empathy, and the existential conditions of muteness.

Cruise’s practice is primarily figurative, often featuring expressive human and animal forms, from horses and sheep to baboons and is complemented by works on paper, including large-format drawings and print editions. Her career spans numerous solo and group exhibitions both locally and internationally, with highlights including the Havana Biennale, the Florence Biennale, and the 7th Gyeonggi International Ceramic Biennale in Korea.

She has produced significant public commissions, most notably the National Monument to the Women of South Africa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria and The Memorial to the Slaves in Cape Town.

Cruise holds a PhD in Anthrozoology (2017): University of Stellenbosch. Master of Arts (Fine Art) (Cum Laude) (1997): University of South Africa (UNISA). Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) (Cum Laude) (1989): UNISA. Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (1969): University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). Transvaal Teachers Higher Diploma (1966): Joint Matriculation Board (JCE) Cruise has been widely published.

Photo courtesy of Wilmacruise.co.za