Hilda Bernstein was a British-born artist and political activist who emigrated to South Africa at the age of 18 to work in journalism. Born in 1915, Bernstein became known for her printmaking, drawing, and painting, focusing on themes of human rights, equality, and the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Her art often combined bold, graphic elements with powerful imagery that reflected the political climate and social issues of her time.
A dedicated anti-apartheid activist, Bernstein was one of the few women involved in the African National Congress (ANC) and played a significant role in organizing opposition to the apartheid regime. Her political activism deeply influenced her artwork, with much of her work reflecting the hardship and resilience of those fighting for freedom and justice.
Forced into exile in 1964, Bernstein continued to create and exhibit her work internationally, with her art serving as both a form of protest and a means of documenting the political struggles she witnessed. Her works have been displayed in public and private collections worldwide, and she remains celebrated both for her artistic contributions and her unwavering commitment to human rights. Bernstein’s legacy is one of courage, creativity, and activism, her art inseparable from the ideals she championed throughout her life.
