Alina Van Sant

Born in Cape Town, South Africa in the summer of '89, Alina Van Sant would undoubtedly be born into a world drenched in conflict. As the daughter of a well-known doctor turned anti-apartheid activist, the Van Sants went from favored family to social pariahs in their neighborhood. It wasn't until her father's arrest and string of threats toward the family that Alina's mother decided to use her US citizenship to flee the turmoil that was tainting the country.

It was an act that split the family. Alina's brother believed their mother abandoned their father, a man whose health severely declined while sitting in prison. It wasn't until 1996 that he would see his children again, a reunion that also came with an acerbic divorce. The Van Sants would be split into two with Alina residing with her mother and her brother Darren staying with their father. While they all made Denver, Colorado their home, it was difficult to say that holidays were a joyous occassion for the family.

For as much chaos Alina endured her first six years of life, it seemed as if fate decided to let her enjoy the rest of her childhood. She was a natural artist who enjoyed tying in her South African roots with religious imagery. While painting indeed blossomed into a passion, Alina also began dabbling into street art. Her affinity to leave artwork on abandoned buildings or walls of warehouses eventually got her into trouble. It was clear Alina was no criminal, but her edge and desire to speak out on social injustices through her art needed to be channeled the right way.

So, she worked hard and was accepted into Columbia. It was clear that her style of art was different, but Alina had the backdrop of New York City to express the value of her work. Stationed back home in Denver, Alina has the privilege of being a street artist whose work is accepted. She often says that she lives more out of her suitcase than posh downtown loft. There's always a new building to paint or gallery to open, and Alina is doing it all over the world.