EXHIBITIONS @ blank projects: July 2008
Next time you’re wondering through the quaint sunny streets of the BoKaap in CT, make sure to pop into blank projects and check out the constant flow of art that passes through the gallery. Details below: Opening 2 July 2008 1) Norman O’Flynn The Butterfly Project “When will I be a butterfly?” the caterpillar asked. “When you have finished being a caterpillar,” the butterfly laughed. (ends: 18 July 2008) 2) Gabrielle Alberts FINE ART Local artist Gabrielle Alberts is to launch her debut solo exhibition on 2 July 2008. The show, entitled Fine Art, is an exhibition of found objects that deals with notions of the artist as collector and selector, along with the concepts of elitism and definition. It features a series of purchased amateur artworks to be displayed and sold together as one installation. Alberts, 24, explains the rationale of the show, as well as how she brought the works together. “It’s a solo show where I act more as curator than artist,” she says. “These works would, according to art critics, connoisseurs and aficionados, be considered useless in terms of traditional definition. In collecting the pieces I ask why they fail (and here qualify) conceptually, stylistically and/or technically.” Rather than defining her selection by quality control, Alberts treats artists as a self-publisher, so that the argument of whether or not their creations – in concept or technique – are ‘bad’ becomes moot. The result is thus highly subjective but not necessarily discerning, because the show must comment on taste and exclusivity (even snobbery) within the art world, and as such explore the consensus on what is considered art. Formally the show will be presented in a way similar to permanent collections found in galleries, and each work will be credited to its (known or unknown) amateur originator. The outcome is that, by curating these works, Alberts, a professional artist, effectively takes ownership of them. This gives them a level of legitimacy that highlights the idea underpinning the show itself: the fine line between artistic ambition and acceptance. Gabrielle Alberts, a graduate of the Michealis School of Fine Art, produces sculpture, video and assemblage works that currently deal with the notion of the artist as an individual in society. She considers her mode of production to be fundamentally conceptual, as opposed to formal or procedural. (ends 30 July 2008) Opening 23 July 2008 3) Barend de Wet | Douglas Gimberg | Christian Nerf Mental Pictures “I’m not sure what the occasion was but Christian, Barend and I were braaing wors at the studio. It’s the woolies lamb sausage we were owed by Renee Holleman from Carpentry 101....
The Writing is On the Wall
We’re delighted that Jozi born and bred legendary photographer and artist John Hodgkiss is FINALLY gathering a selection of his awe-inspiring work together for an exhibition in Jozi. Joined by artist Ellen Papciak-Rose, you must make the most of this rare opportunity to catch Johnny and Ellen’s oeuvres d’art during this beautiful month of June – it’s at our favourite Jozi suburb of Melville at the gordart Gallery from Sunday 5 June. An exhibition of digital compositions, photography, paintings and objet d’art inviting the viewer to – read the writing on the wall…literally, figuratively, and hopefully with some sense of humour and urgency. To be opened by Lorna Ferguson on Sunday, 8 June 2008, 5pm Preview Sat, 7 June, 1–6pm (The show closes Sat, 28 June) gordart Gallery 72 3rd Ave, Melville, Johannesburg / tel: +27 11 726-8519 Gallery hours: Tues – Sat, 10:30 –...
Book for a MUMMENSCHANZ treat Now!
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to catch this legendary theatre group for a taste of their magic as they bring their much-loved performances to South Africa in June and July, watch a Youtube clip here, but otherwise, get booking. MUMMENSCHANZ, the Swiss theatre group described by magician David Copperfield as “truly magical” will be touring South Africa with their visual spectacle of illusion and make-believe in June-July with performances scheduled in Pretoria, Cape Town and Johannesburg. At the 2006 Edinburgh Comedy Festival they were branded with “…more imagination and invention in two or three minutes of a single sketch than many artists have in their whole show…” During their Australian tour in the same year, the Sunday Morning Herald praised the show as “…a dazzling and affecting spectacle…” After more than 30 years of performing, they still get glowing reviews and attract packed houses wherever they perform – be it Australia, Europe, India or the USA. By using everyday objects and materials, such as cardboard boxes, rolls of toilet paper, masking tape, refuse bags, etc., they create ingenious costumes and expressive masks that transform into fascinating and funny creatures on stage. The MUMMENSCHANZ characters portray everyday human situations, effortlessly understood by audiences of all ages and across all cultures. MUMMENSCHANZ started out in the seventies with the goal to create a non-verbal theatrical language that would transcend the traditional barriers of language and culture. They have been hailed as revolutionary in their field, combining masks, mime, movement and lighting to create a unique kind of visual theatre that keeps audiences spell-bound. The masks belong to three different groups: versatile face masks, half-body or full body masks and three-dimensional masks. They achieved their first major success at the Avignon Festival, which led to engagements in Europe and North America. Subsequent tours throughout the seventies and eighties in Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa, South America and Australia including Festivals in Edinburgh, Spoleto, Berlin and Belgrade were met with overwhelming enthusiasm. On Broadway MUMMENSCHANZ defied all expectations. Hailed as “inventive, imaginative and sparkling with wit”, they remained at the Bijou Theatre for a three-year run, becoming a household name, an unprecedented feat for a group whose show does not contain any words or music. Their innovative style of theatrical performance, which inspired many other artists, was now fully recognized by the public and the critics. Film, television and advertisement work followed, bringing the company to an even wider audience. Mummenschanz “3 x 11” will be loved by young and old. See it from 10 -15 June at the SA State Theatre in Pretoria, 17 June – 5 July at the Baxter Theatre...
Ballet & more in G-town this year
Ah, we just got all misty-eyed and nostalgic for the spirit of the Grahamstown festival when Editorista was a student and made the pilgrimage every year with her chomees to top up her creative side… Not so long ago! We encourage everyone that loves art, music, theatre, dance, markets, walking around, great food, partying, a vibrant community spirit and meeting people from all over the world to get to this year’s Grahamstown National Arts festival. First up on the announcements is the phenomenal SA Ballet Theatre company with their performance of Don Quixote taking place in the first week of July. The country’s foremost ballet company visits The National Arts Festival in Grahamstown with an extended version of Don Quixote produced by SA Ballet Theatre Principal dancer and Coach Christian Tátchev. The feisty, funny story ballet Don Quixote is set in sunny Spain and features stars of The SA Ballet Theatre including Principals Angela Malan, Burnise Silvius, Andries Weidemann and Michael Revie. This production of Don Quixote premiered in July 2007 at The South African State Theatre to critical review. All the performances will be accompanied by The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Michael Hankinson. There will be three performances between 2 to 5 July at the 1820 Settler’s Monument. SABT has been invited to perform on the festival’s Main programme. Performances: 2 July 19h00 3 July 19h00 5 July 10h30 Bookings may be made at Computicket from May 5th on 083 915 8000 or visit www.computicket.com. For further information, please contact the Festival office on 046 603 1103 or email...
African Arts & Crafts in Newtown
A new home for the Zasekhaya Market in Newtown, downtown Jozi, do your bit for African Arts and Crafts and enjoy what Newtown has to offer: As a result of its growing popularity, the monthly Zasekhaya Market is moving to a new location at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown from Saturday, 31 May 2008.Formerly housed at the Bus Factory, from this weekend the market will take up residence at its new home near the Market Theatre. The market is expanding at a rapid rate, and the square will afford it the space it requires for its exhibitors’ extensive range of high-quality, original and innovative homegrown items. The Zasekhaya Market is not your average flea market. A cut above the rest, it specialises in indigenous, hand-crafted wares ranging from fashion and décor to artworks and jewellery. In attendance this weekend are crafters who fashion attractive items out of recycled products such as wire, paper, tin and plastic bags. Also check out stalls featuring beadwork, embroidery and mosaics; as well as pottery, traditional cloths, raffia and woolen shoes, and many more creative delights. They include crafters who have attended the Urban Spirits VACA training programme which was made possible by funding from the Lotto Enjoy an all-round sensory experience at the various stalls, while taking time out for a snack or to admire your purchases at one of the coffee ships. The Zasekhaya Market epitomises creativity at work, so support African arts and crafts with an original twist, and head down to Mary Fitzgerald Square on Saturday between 10am and 4pm. Secure parking is available around the square or at the Market Theatre complex. The next Zasekhaya Market, which takes place on the last Saturday of every month, will be held on 28 June. For more information, and to enquire about booking stalls, phone Eunice at (011) 833-3329, or e-mail katherinec1@telkomsa.net or...
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