Artist Werner Bronkhorst turns his paintings into wearable merch
Australian artist Werner Bronkhorst is redefining how art is experienced by transforming his hyper-realistic paintings into immersive mini-golf exhibits and limited-edition merch.
Werner Bronkhorst is proving that art doesn’t have to stay on the wall—it can be worn, collected, and even played through. His immersive approach to art-meets-merch offers a fresh blueprint for creatives looking to make their work more tangible and memorable.
Known for his intricate, hyper-realistic miniature paintings, Bronkhorst’s work draws heavily from personal memories of outdoor play and the nostalgia of childhood. His collection Forbidden Grass—launched in 2024—captures that emotion with vivid detail and a cheeky twist.
Where art meets merch, and mini golf
For Forbidden Grass, Bronkhorst didn’t just release a new body of work—he created an entire experience around it. Instead of a traditional gallery show, he launched the collection through an interactive indoor mini-golf exhibit in London, bringing his artwork off the canvas and into physical space.
Visitors could walk through his memories (and literally play through them), making the connection between art, memory, and fun even more powerful.
“Although I'm not yet 23, I strive to capture these memories in my art before they fade. Forbidden Grass celebrates tennis players, dog walkers, picnic goers, and anyone who's felt joy outside."
- Werner Bronkhorst
The merch collection: A case study in limited edition success
To complement the exhibit, Bronkhorst dropped a limited run of merchandise—including prints, posters, and a now-iconic crewneck sweater. The Forbidden Grass Sweater, made from a 340gsm cotton/poly blend, was offered in four earthy colors: Soft Pink, Forest Green, Bitter Chocolate, and Warm Grey (his personal favorite).
What made this drop special wasn’t just the quality—it was the storytelling. The sweaters came packaged like prescription medication, sealed in pharmacy-style zip bags with playful “instructions for use.” It was a tactile, unexpected extension of the Forbidden Grass theme.
What artists and designers can learn
Bronkhorst’s success shows how artists can translate personal storytelling into wearable, sharable formats—without losing artistic integrity. Here’s what made his drop stand out:
- Storytelling through every touchpoint – from packaging to product naming, everything tied back to the core theme.
- Small batch = high impact – he kept the merch drop intentionally limited, making each item feel exclusive while keeping production costs and risk low.
- Immersive experiences drive connection – merging art and recreation created a memorable in-person launch.
- Art as merch builds new audiences – turning artwork into wearables gave fans a new way to connect with his vision.
Whether your an artist, designer, or hobbyist creative, Fabra makes is possible to turn your ideas into tangible products.