Atlas
Rust-en-Vrede Gallery
16 January 2024 - 17 February 2024
You are cordially invited to the opening of this group exhibition on Tuesday 16 January, at the gallery in Durbanville.
For further information about the event, contact Hamlyn or Kelly at gallery@rust-en-vrede.com.
The point of departure in this proposed body of work is how artistic practice can materially translate and therapeutically engage in possible relief and healing of psychological abuse and its implications such as fear, shame and vulnerability, caused by unequal patriarchal personal relationships and gender inequality in the household of my own family and others. Any form of inequality, whether verbal, financial, emotional or physical that is repeated time and again to intimidate, control and instil fear in women and the family, is a form of psychological abuse. Judith Jordan (2003:5), Valuing Vulnerability: New definitions of Courage. Work in Progress, argues that “In power-imbalanced, non-mutual, or unsafe relationships, vulnerability can become a place of fear and disconnection”. Fear is a debilitating emotion.
Psychological processing through art therapeutic studio practice will inform the choice of materials, processes of daily making, and labour of the process-based work involved. To support the material translation of this theme in a planned practical body of work, feminist subversive stitch, “soft” materials and textiles contrasted with neo-expressionist materiality in painting will inform the process of making. Recea Chansky (2010:681), A stitch in time: Third‐wave feminist reclamation of needled imagery, argues that within third wave feminism, the needle and thread are artmaking tools that discuss and communicate strong modern feminist ideas such as oppression through subversive stitch (Chansky, 2010:681). Chansky (2010:682) further argues that:
The needle is an appropriate material representation of women who are balancing both their anger over oppression and pride in their gender. The needle stabs as it creates, forcing thread or yarn into the act of creation. From a violent action comes the birth of a new whole. Women are channeling their rage, frustration, guilt, and other difficult emotions into a powerfully productive activity (Chansky, 2010:682).
Neo-expressionist materiality will be explored and employed, particularly monochromatic colours, evocative bold brushstrokes, heavily encrusted paintings on monumental surfaces and found materials akin to that of German neo-expressionist Anselm Kiefer. Noga Stiassny (2015:45), argues that expressionism is a critical constituent of Kiefer’s visual language, yet he developed a distinct hybrid style (Stiassny, 2015:45).
Self-Exploration Mixed Media Workshop
In the Self-Exploration Mixed Media Workshop, you will explore basic art-making techniques at your own pace. Unconventional mixed media will be used in these workshops in combination with acrylic and water-based paint and drawing materials, such as charcoal, pencil, ink and graphite. In this workshop, De Wet guides participants through a series of mixed media exercises which culminate in the creation of a mixed media artwork using a combination of the materials explored. In so doing, participants learn, share and create together, gently pushing the boundaries and awakening their inner creative worlds.
Self-Exploration Portrait Painting Workshop
In the Self-Exploration Portrait Painting Workshop, De Wet guides participants through a series of self-portrait exercises that investigate the external presentation of the internal Self.
Self-Exploration Painting Workshop
The Self-Exploration Painting Workshop encourages free, open-minded, expressionistic exploration of different painting techniques on canvas that push the boundaries of how participants understand painting. The combination of thick, opaque, bold paint, layering and sensitive brushstrokes is a subtle yet mindful approach to contemporary art making. This workshop will investigate an array of methods by which to apply paint to a surface, including using various brush sizes, application tools and spray bottles with water-based (acrylic) paint. The workshop will culminate in the production of an abstract work that incorporates some recognizable images or objects.
Drawing Workshop
In this workshop, De Wet shares different drawing techniques for both inexperienced and experienced workshop participants. By using a broad range of hard and soft pencils and graphite, as well as erasers and pencil shavings as drawing tools, the workshop teaches participants how to create evocative yet sensitive works. This is best achieved by exploring and letting go of the preconceived idea that one has to create a masterpiece. The aim of this workshop is to explore different techniques and produce an artwork by means of a series of guided exercises in a safe environment in which there is no right or wrong way to draw.
Creative Stitching Workshop
A creative exploration of unconventional stitching, using unusual materials such as gauzes, fabrics, plastic, threads and found materials.
Self-Exploration Creative Awakening Workshop
Exploring basic art techniques and a possible creative awakening through a variety of media with the emphasis on developing art making skills at your own pace. Acrylic and water based paint and drawing materials such as crayon, pencil, ink, graphite and many other experimental and unconventional mixed media.
WORKSHOPS
Dates:
· 19 January 2024 - Private Workshop - to be confirmed
· 20 January 2024 - Private Workshop - to be confirmed
· 26 January 2024 - Private Workshop
· 27 January 2024 - Self-Exploration Portrait Workshop
· 10 February 2024 - Mixed Media Workshop
Time: 10:00 - 16:00.
Duration: 6 hours including two tea and cake breaks.
Venue: Studio - Mowbray, Cape Town.
Workshop Fee: R600.00 - excludes materials. This fee applies to workshops in 2023.
Private Workshop Fee: R325.00 per hour. This fee applies to workshops in 2023.
Booking: To book, contact Natasja at art@natasjadewet.com.
Deposit: 70% deposit to secure your place. Please note that deposits are non-refundable. A minimum of four participants.
Please deposit the balance of your workshop fee 48 hours before the workshop (account details provided upon booking) and email proof of payment with your name as reference.
For more information, contact Natasja at art@natasjadewet.com
You are cordially invited to the annual CeraMix 2023 exhibition at art.b Gallery
With the objective of fundraising for the renovation of apartments at the Cité Internationale des Arts, SANAVA is hosting an online auction of artworks of members of SANAVA.
Works were shortlisted by Gordon Froud, SANAVA Vice-President, artist, curator and the current Head of the Department of Visual Arts at the University of Johannesburg; and Elfriede Dreyer, SANAVA Vice-President, artist, curator and Extraordinary Professor in Art at Unisa.
Timed Online Auction starts 1 October at 08:00 to 31 October 2023 at 20:00
AUCTION ENQUIRIES
Contact SANAVA secretary: Ané du Plessis on info@sanava.co.za