Notes

In her painting Eve's Secret, Hanekom explores the unbearable vulnerability of humans as a product of both original sin and hereditary destiny. Hanekom's fascination regarding genetic identity is born from her own struggles with the ravages of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Type 1A, a genetic disorder that are X chromosome related, that she inherited from her mother. CMT Type 1A is a degenerative neurological condition that effects the peripheral nerves of the leg, feet and in some cases like Hanekom's the arms and hands. In this artwork Hanekom depicts this internal battle against a "womb borne enemy" that is closely tied to her ability to continue to produce artworks.

Sandra Hanekom was born in the Western Cape, South Africa. After matriculating in 1989 from Die Kruin Highschool for the Arts she studied Fine Arts at the University of Stellenbosch. Hanekom works in a wide selection of traditional mediums. Her works are known for their visually complex and symbolic narratives that Hanekom derives from personal experiences as well as historical sources.

Hanekom's artworks are represented in private collections as well as museum and corporate collections in South Africa and Internationally. She has been nominated and awarded for both her work as an Artist and a Curator. She was the first and only Festival Curator of the KKNK to be nominated for Kanna Award for her Visual Arts programme selection. She is a recipient of a Woordfees trophy.