2011 - L`Atelier

ABSA L’ATELIER
2011
CREATIVITY
TAKES
COURAGE
NATIONAL SELECTION PANEL
Vulindlela Nyoni
Co-ordinator of National Selection
Frikkie Eksteen
This catalogue has been compiled by Dr Paul Bayliss, Art Curator of Absa
David Jones
Photography by Richard Hughes
Brett Murray
Design and layout by Betelgeuse Advertising
David Paton
2011 L’Atelier Awards Catalogue
Published by Absa, member of the Barclays Group.
Air ticket to Paris, France, sponsored by Absa
ISBN 978-0-620-50655-7
ABSA L’ATELIER 2011
FOREWORD
Absa is a world-renowned patron of the arts and the proud sponsor of the 26th
Absa L’Atelier art competition. It’s not only the oldest arts award in the Southern
Hemisphere, it is also the richest in Africa. And it remains the most prestigious
award on any South African artist’s CV.
Aimed at nurturing young talent, Absa L’Atelier serves as a platform for young
emerging artists to make their mark in the South African arena and is instrumental
in launching many careers in the visual arts. Not only does Absa create a platform to
showcase their work through this competition, but we have also been increasingly
active in identifying, nurturing, promoting and sponsoring these artists through our
gallery. A number of the finalists have developed into success stories.
We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our co-sponsors
for their continued support for the Absa L’Atelier and their investment in our young
artists. Without SANAVA, the French Embassy, the French Institute and Alliance
Françiase, this initiative would not be possible.
Further testimony to the success of our competition is the steady rise in the quality of
works entered. This year the standard was exceptionally high and the judges had their
work cut out to select the finalists, the merit award winners and the two top awards.
I would like to congratulate our winners. Make the most of this wonderful opportunity
to further your careers. We will be watching with interest as many of you go on to
become internationally recognised artists.
And to all the other finalists, I hope you will use the valuable experience you have
gained through this process well. Please keep up the good work.
Maria Ramos
Group Chief Executive
1
ABSA L’ATELIER
AWARD
The Absa L’Atelier art competition
is presented annually by Absa in
conjunction with SANAVA (South African
National Association for the Visual Arts).
It is a competition for young artists in
the age group 21 to 35 years. Works of art
were selected in Bellville, Bloemfontein,
Durban, Johannesburg, East London,
Port Elizabeth, Polokwane, Pretoria
and Thohoyandou by a local panel of
selectors guided by Vulindlela Nyoni
on behalf of the National President
of SANAVA. The selected works of art
were sent to Johannesburg for final
adjudication.
2
CONGRATULATIONS
Artists need platforms from which to be heard. The Absa L’Atelier competition and
exhibition provides a national and very prestigious platform and is a highlight in the
South African Arts calendar. This event shows the issues and media that occupy young
artists’s minds, and what they feel is relevant at the moment. This is their dialogue
with society.
As the longest running annual competition and exhibition we have seen the art on
offer become more open, less urban, reflecting human diversity. Young artists today
have a shared history but come from different cultural contexts. Exhibitions such as
these document the evolution of the role of art, artists and the cultural industry in
this country.
Let us hope that we are not only creating expectations. Artists need the means
and infrastructure for artistic expression. May this inspire other corporate and
governmental bodies to support the endeavours of young artists. As a partner
of its affiliated member, the Absa Group and the South African National Association
for the Visual Arts is proud to co-present the Absa L’Atelier competition for the
26th consecutive year.
Dirkie Offringa
National President
South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA)
3
GERARD SEKOTO
AWARD
Gerard Sekoto (1913 – 1993)
Sekoto was born in Botshabelo near
Middelburg in the former Transvaal on
9 December 1913. His early paintings
depicted scenes from Sophiatown,
District Six and Eastwood near Pretoria.
He left South Africa in 1947 for Europe
and settled in Paris in voluntary exile
where he lived until his death in 1993.
As an African Parisian he always yearned
for his South African roots and identity,
which he depicted with much nostalgia
in many of his works.
In Paris and with the support of the
loving French public, doors eventually
opened for Sekoto to explore his own
creativity. With this award we honour
Gerard Sekoto. The French Embassy,
the French Institute and the Alliance
Française, felt it appropriate to create
such an award to support the most
promising artist with an income of less
than R60 000 per annum. This award
will hopefully open yet another door for
a young South African artist in the city
of love and art, namely Paris.
4
INTRODUCTION
The selection of artwork for any
so internationally. It is undeniable that
other curators and selectors I met. Having
competition is by no means an easy feat.
those who have taken part in the process
established criteria that were centred on
In recent public discourses on the nature
by submitting their work for selection
technical execution, originality of vision
of contemporary South African art and
and furthermore those who have been
and relevance to contemporary discourses
some contentious issues surrounding
selected for the final exhibition have
in art, aided in ensuring that quality work
curatorship, the notion of having a finger
gained in one way or another. To this,
selected was of quality. For that I thank all
on the pulse of what is fresh, innovative
I turn to some of the time-honoured
my fellow selectors in each province that
and challenging is as much under scrutiny
merits of having your work seen, exposure
I visited for their time and expertise in
as what artists are making at the moment.
and (for some), recognition.
assisting in this endeavour.
in these discourses they can choose to be
This year is significant in that during the
Thematically the work on show in the
seen or not. For those yet to be established
course of the selection process new and
final exhibition explores a wide range of
the difficulty is in being afforded the
interesting visions have started to emerge
subjects, but what is clear is a growing
opportunity to be seen in the first place.
in the guise of newly realised practitioners
introspective or subjective response
and those who, after some time, have
on the part of the artists to the world
I believe that this is what makes a
decidedly matured in their vision although
that they live in. Artists are indeed now
competition such as the Absa L’Atelier
never having had the opportunity to
able to reflect on their own particular
significant. Inasmuch as what is
be seen as it were. Naturally, the problems
voices. Matters of absence, home, origin
‘happening’ and what is ‘new and fresh’
that arise in having a ‘juried’ exhibition
and individuality are prevalent in the
in the art world, this platform pays a
remain, but in among the process of
exhibition but more so the relationship
different service to those who take part
ensuring the selection of quality work,
of the artist’s vision to the communal
in it. The competition is itself in its 26th
ideas arose as to how to make things
expressive space. On the whole I am
year and therefore has a set history and
better for future Absa L’Ateliers. In
honoured and privileged to have been
perhaps responsibility grounded in the
conversation with Paul Bayliss, the new
part of the selection process and to
launching of new artistic talent onto the
curator of the Absa Gallery, it was clear
have seen the development of new
landscape of South African aesthetics.
that quality and the growth of quality
visions put forward by these artists and
The extensive list of past winners and
in the work of new artists are part of
wholeheartedly congratulate each and
participants who have benefitted from
the main agenda of the Absa L’Atelier.
every participant in the process, and to
this showcase is testament to this fact.
Mention must be made here of the
those who were selected, well done!
I wish to make it clear to prospective
sterling work done by the previous curator
participants that this competition should
Cecile Loedolff in the previous years of
Vulindlela Nyoni
be seen as possible initiation of a career
this competition. At the various centres
in the visual arts, nationally and more
I visited, the sentiment was echoed by the
For those established artists, participating
2011 Co-ordinator of National
Selection Panel
5
2011 WINNER
GROSE, IAN
CAPE TOWN
Colour, separation
Oil on fabriano
13 cm x 64 cm (Triptych)
6
MERIT AWARD
ISABEL MERTZ
PRETORIA
Anthropomorphic spaces 3
Mixed media
120 cm x 115 cm x 70 cm
7
MERIT AWARD
GELDENHUYS, AMBER-JADE
JOHANNESBURG
iXOXO
Upholstered steel bench and video
8
MERIT AWARD
GAUNTLETT, ALICE
CAPE TOWN
In space and time
Lightjet print
46 cm x 59 cm
9
MERIT AWARD
SPRING, SARAH
JOHANNESBURG
The beginning and the end
Digital prints on paper
21 cm x 24 cm
10
GERARD SEKOTO WINNER
MERTZ, ISABEL
PRETORIA
Anthropomorphic spaces 3
Mixed media
120 cm x 115 cm x 70 cm
11
TOP 10 FINALISTS
1
1.
GERHARDT COETZEE
2.
ALICE GAUNTLETT
3.
AMBER JADE GELDENHUYS
2
4. IAN GROSE
5.
JESSE HAMMOND
6. ISABEL MERTZ
7.
JACOBUS VAN SCHALKWYK
8.
BAMBO SIBIYA
9. SARAH SPRING
10. SOFIA STODEL
12
3
4
6
5
7
9
10
8
13
BEZUIDENHOUT, KARIN
PRETORIA
Zuma’s promise
Photography and Photoshop
54 cm x 47 cm
PROFILE:
Bezuidenhout was born in 1979 and
studied BA(FA) at the University
of Pretoria. She also received a
Postgraduate Certificate in Education
from the University of Pretoria. She
has participated in several exhibitions,
including the Absa L’Atelier exhibition
in 2009.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
This work reflects the desperation of
so many hopeful men and women,
especially from places like Soweto, where
this photo was taken, to get a job and
escape the consequences of poverty.
14
BHANA, POORVI
PRETORIA
Moksh
Mixed media
180 cm x 60 cm
PROFILE:
Bhana was born in 1986 and studied
BTech (FA) at the Tshwane University
of Technology, Pretoria. She has
participated in several exhibitions.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
We are meant to move towards
self-discovery and spiritual maturity,
to be ready and able to live a life that
matters to us and those around us.
We need to feel the energy of the
chakras, as the origin of our own power
– as the energy that fuels our biology.
For when our angle of perception
is wrong, our interaction with the
world is wrong, and it is only once
we realise the stuff of which we are
made that we realise that we have no
choice but to live a spiritual life.
15
BIYELA, SIPHESIHLE NDNKANYISO
DURBAN
The bonds of the family
Mixed media
182 cm x 122 cm
PROFILE:
Biyela was born in 1986 and studied
BA(FA) at Rhodes University,
Grahamstown. She has participated
in several exhibitions.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
This is the artist’s family portrait. The
artist has worked with the symbolism
of locks inscribed onto or embossed
onto the work. The technical drawings
of the inner workings of the lock have
a dual meaning of both protection
and trapping. Within a family lies
influences, voices of guidance and
wisdom and advice, which are to shape
an individual while in the process
that some influence may hinder the
individual from finding his or her own
true voice. There are also invisible
bonds that keep the family unit intact
– mutual strong voices of influence.
16
BLAZEY, KEEGAN ROSS
PORT ELIZABETH
The Isle of the Faiakes
Oil on canvas
172 cm x 132 cm
PROFILE:
Blazey was born in 1989 and studied for a
Diploma in Fine Arts at Nelson Mandela
Metropolitan University,
Port Elizabeth.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The Isle of the Faiakes is a nightmare the
artist had where the number 3 featured
strongly, overpowering the artist.
17
BROPHY, JOHN ROBERT
JOHANNESBURG
Freak goat trophy
Acrylic on Superwood
30 cm x 22 cm
PROFILE:
Brophy was born in 1980 and completed
his NSC at the National School of the
Arts. He also obtained a diploma for
3D animation from the Boston Media
House. He participated in the Absa
L’Atelier Exhibition in 2010.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
This four-piece painting – which can be
viewed from any angle – folds into an
8-page book.
18
CACHALIA, LUIZA
JOHANNESBURG
If God was Ana Wintour and Vogue was the Bible
Oil and spray paint on canvas
48 cm x 60 cm
PROFILE:
Cachalia was born in 1984 and studied
BA(FA) at the University of Cape Town
and an honours from the University
of the Witwatersrand. She has
participated in several exhibitions.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
This piece is a selection from an
exhibition, which explores the
similarities between fashion and
religion, drawing a comparison
between the fanatical authoritarian
practice of fashion and religion and
the way icons are represented and
relied upon in both these systems.
The artist hopes to show how fashion
can appear harmless and pretty but
is as obsessive and dangerous in its
autocracy as religion can be.
19
CAMPBELL, PETER MIKAEL
CAPE TOWN
Beyond ‘Infiltration homogenous for grand piano’
Mixed media
70 cm x 15 cm x 15 cm
PROFILE:
Campbell was born in 1982 and studied for
the National Diploma in Fine Arts at the
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University,
Port Elizabeth. He also has a BTech (FA) degree
specialising in sculpture at the same university.
He has participated in a number of exhibitions,
including the Absa L’Atelier in 2008 and 2009.
He was selected as one of the top ten finalists
in 2009.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The work explores the realistic application
of Joseph Beuys’ theory of Social Sculpture
beyond utopian rhetoric. It can be understood
as a quiet inquiry into the pedagogic and
homeopathic potential of art, particularly
between the artist and the art-making process.
The work can be seen as a journey into the
creative constellations of the self, into the
joy and subtle beauty of secrecy and surprise
and into the enigmatic and nuanced poetry
underpinning phenomena.
20
COCHRANE, ROZAN
PRETORIA
Projection. Repression. Guilt. 2010/11
Light installation
110 cm x 35 cm
PROFILE:
Cochrane was born in 1986 and studied
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
for a BA(FA) at the University of Pretoria.
This artwork comprises of faces
He has participated in a number of
constructed by light and shadow.
exhibitions.
It engages with Carl Gustav Jungs’
concepts of the latter; which he
proposes the shadow to symbolise
subconscious inferiorities.
21
COETZEE, GERHARDT
PORT ELIZABETH
Rainbow chicken
Photographic print on cotton paper
60 cm x 90 cm (Diptych)
PROFILE:
Coetzee was born in 1983 and studied for a
National Diploma in Photography at the Nelson
Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth.
He has participated in a number of exhibitions,
including the Absa L’Atelier Exhibition in 2009
and 2010.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
Structures and symbols of religion are familiar
signs in the South African cityscape. So familiar
that we tend to look past them. The artist places
the image within a landscape to defamiliarise
these signs and allows us to look anew at what
they signal about us as human beings in general.
On one level they speak of the perpetual human
need to insist that there is more, that there is
something beyond the here and now, that there
is a way to transcend our (mortal) nature. The
image communicates this message through
landscape, articulating this profound human
concern in the midst of a silent landscape.
22
COPPINGER, JENNIFER
EAST LONDON
Untitled (Rhino)
Oil on canvas
99,5 cm x 14o cm
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
Inspired by Ovid’s metamorphosis. The
painting is based on dreamspace, a space
suspended between illusion and reality.
The artist was also inspired by numerous
dreams she experienced with animals.
23
CRAWSHAY-HALL, JAYNE KELLY
PRETORIA
Colour: [un]wrapped, colour swatches
Digital print on paper
150 cm x 170 cm
PROFILE:
Crawshay-Hall was born in 1987 and
studied for a BA(FA) at the University of
Pretoria.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The work is founded on large-scale
bubblewrap portraits. Within the series
of five, the self-portrait represents a
white population and the four other
portraits representing Black, Coloured,
Indian and Asian, which are pictorially
included at the top of each colour
swatch. The artist explores the notion
that part of a subject’s identity tends
to be race and colour. She draws on this
notion and attempts to deconstruct it,
conveying that colour is not what makes
us different and that colour is vastly
similar within various races – through
the use of swatching the colour of each
bubble in a colour swatch.
24
CRUSE, CANDICE
EAST LONDON
After Gabrielle d’estre et de duchesse D’Villars (Part 1)
Colour chalk pastel on Fabriano
150 cm x 97 cm
PROFILE:
Cruse was born in 1989 and is currently
studying at Rhodes University,
Grahamstown.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
This work forms part of a larger body of work
entitled ‘The Context is in the Title’. The works
are an exploration of art historical references
from the late 19th and early 20th centuries,
in which women were displayed together
in intimate poses. The artist inserted herself
into the images to embody each character.
Through the drawing process, the artist
became aware that the work emphasised the
space of the absent other. By stripping the
work of all contexts, i.e. time period, clothing,
the background and the interaction with
the missing figures, the drawing becomes
decontextualised. Thus, the body of work
evokes an enhanced sense of loss and balance.
25
CRUSE, CANDICE
EAST LONDON
After Gabrielle d’estre et de duchesse D’Villars (Part 2)
Colour chalk pastel on Fabriano
150 cm x 97 cm
26
DALING, ROELF JOHANNES
PRETORIA
Afval
Mixed media
25 cm x 25 cm x 25 cm
PROFILE:
Daling was born in 1983 and studied for
a BA(FA) at the University of Pretoria.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The blue duiker’s head is full of gall,
don’t eat the tripe. Take off the barcode
and screw on the “boord”. Somebody is
going to pound him. Little boys don’t
do it, you hear. Remove your hat, I’m
afraid you might say the wrong thing.
Who is truly like a rhebuck? The buck
leaves its own footprints and sheds its
own tears – he is his own buck. Who
will tell the buck where to go and what
to go? Cut its throat and become a
man or tame it. I might as well just as
well push its head through a plate.
I think my name is bok-bok.
27
DIKGALE, LEROLE DALSON
POLOKWANE
Poverty
Mixed media
87 cm x 29 cm x 59 cm
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
Crockery made of terracotta clay and
supported by a steel stand.
28
ENGELBRECHT, LARITA
CAPE TOWN
Saturated spectacle (After Hieronymus Bosch)
Collage
124 cm x 140 cm
PROFILE::
Engelbrecht was born in 1983 and studied for a
BA(FA) at the University of Stellenbosch. She also
o
has an MA in Visual Art from the same university.
y.
She has participated in a number of exhibitionss
and won a number of accolades.
s.
DESCRIPTION
N
OF ARTWORK::
The work is a contemporary interpretation off
Hieronymus Bosch’s 16th century painting, the
e
Garden of Earthly Delights. The central panell
of Bosch’s triptych shows a fantastical world
d
where sexually liberated naked figures frolicc
among bizarre fauna and flora. One of the mostt
prominent characteristics of post-modern visuall
culture is the sheer excessiveness of spectacles.
s.
In today’s Westernised world we are constantlyy
exposed to images of excess, thereby turning uss
all (willingly or not) into voyeurs. Visual culture
e
today is saturated with images, and by restricting
g
the collage of pictures from books and magazines,
s,
the artist hopes to facilitate critical reflection off
excess prevalent in contemporary culture.
e.
29
ERASMUS, STEPHAN
JOHANNESBURG
Wasteland
Mixed media
PROFILE:
PR
Erasmus was born in 1976. He studied for
Eras
the National Diploma in Fine Arts at the
Witwatersrand Technikon, as well as for
Wit
the BTech (FA) degree at the Witwatersrand
Technikon. He also completed a Master’s
Tech
degree in Fine Arts at the University of
deg
the Witwatersrand. He has participated
in sseveral exhibitions, including the Absa
L’Ate
telier exhibition in 2000, as well as the
Absa L’Atelier exhibitions in 2004, 2006,
Abs
2008 and 2009. He was selected as one of
200
the top ten finalists in 2008 and a Merit
Award winner in 2009.
Awa
DE
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The book contains the full text of The Waste
Land and Other Poems by T.S. Eliot. The work
Lan
explores aspects of ‘reading’ text/image. The
exp
work was silkscreen printed and bound using
a concertina binding system.
30
ERASMUS, STEPHAN
JOHANNESBURG
Tou opgooi
Mixed media
DESCRIPTION
N
OF ARTWORK:
K:
‘Tou opgooi’ is a scroll book that takes a
motto used in raising young Afrikaner
er
children “Moenie tou opgooi nie maar
ar
baklei tot die bitter einde” (don’t throw
w
in the towel but fight till the bitter end).
).
The repeated text is tied to the
e
cotton thread every 40 cm, rolled into
o
a scroll and placed in a clamshell box
x
especially designed for the scroll.l.
The text was selected because the
e
source of the text is a book published
d
in the 1950’s in South Africa, and
d
puts forward a set of mottos for the
e
promotion of the Afrikaner culture in
n
South Africa at the point in the artist’s
’s
history. The book does not however put
ut
forward discrimination of any kind but
rather just the growth and promotion of
an Afrikaner lifestyle, strongly connected
to the religious doctrine of the time.
31
GAUNTLETT, ALICE
CAPE TOWN
In space and time
Lightjet print
46 cm x 59 cm
PROFILE:
P
Gauntlett was born in 1988 and has
G
a BA(FA) from the Michaelis School
of Fine Art, University of Cape Town.
o
She participated in the 2010 Absa
S
LL’Atelier exhibition.
D
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
O
This work concerns the increasing sense
T
of isolation of many people within
o
our society, whether it be from social,
o
ccultural or political divides. The vehicle of
tthe domestic environment emphasises,
as it places this emotion in a place where
a
we are meant to feel connected to our
w
ffamily and by proxy to the world.
32
GELDENHUYS, AMBER-JADE
JOHANNESBURG
XOXO
Upholstered steel bench and video
PROFILE:
E:
Geldenhuys was born in 1982 and studied for the National
al
Diploma in Fine Arts at the University of Johannesburg.
g.
She also has a BTech (FA) from the same university and is
currently studying for a Master’s qualification from the
he
University of the Witwatersrand. She participated in the
he
Absa L’Atelier exhibition in 2010.
0.
DESCRIPTION
N
OF ARTWORK:
K:
The artist makes use of a kreepy krauly and the surveillance
ce
camera of a housing unit as symbols of cultural markers of
the South African middle and upper classes. In residential
al
spaces one will find kreepy kraulys and electric fences
es
co-existing. This seems an odd combination; one is a
commodity of leisure, associated with fun, and the other
er
a technology of defence, denoting war and control. Their
eir
juxtaposition sends out mixed messages to inhabitants
because of their significance which contradict one another.
The artist reconfigures the functionality of these objects,
transforming their original purpose, materials, dimensions,
form and meanings, playing on their suggestive
physiological, sociological and cultural associations.
33
GELDENHUYS, AMBER-JADE
JOHANNESBURG
iXOXO
Upholstered steel bench and video
34
GIGABA, MUZIWANDILE
DURBAN
Awu Xoxo Wenzani?
Screenprinting and embossing on paper
64 cm x 78 cm
PROFILE:
Gigaba was born in 1984 and has a BA(FA)
from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
This work draws an analogy between
the education received from formal
education institutions and the
informal ones. Inspired by folklore,
which tells of a friendship’s betrayal
where the moral of the story is ‘what
goes around comes around’. This image
highlights a scene in the story where a
frog had its leg tied to his dead friend,
the rat, which is captured by the flying
eagle. In the end they are both its prey.
35
GROSE, IAN
CAPE TOWN
Colour, separation
Oil on Fabriano
13 cm x 64 cm (Triptych)
PROFILE:
Grose was born in 1985 and has a BA(FA)
from the University of Cape Town.
He also has a postgraduate diploma
in FA from the same university.
36
HAMMOND, JESSIE
CAPE TOWN
Tenebrous
Slide projection
PROFILE:
Hammond was born in 1988 and
graduated from the Michaelis School of
Fine Art, University of Cape Town.
37
HLATSHWAYO, SIMILO W.T
JOHANNESBURG
Kwelakithi! (Bhodloza)
Mixed media
PROFILE:
Hlatshwayo was born in 1984 and
obtained a Diploma in Visual Arts.
He participated in the Absa L’Atelier
exhibition in 2010.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The work seeks to visually translate the
“traditional” Zulu name uBhodloza. It
emphasizes the importance of physical
strength within traditional Zulu circles,
as a means of dealing with identity and
masculine issues.
The artist, blessed with a “traditional”
Zulu background, aimed to explore
societal perceptions towards Zuluspeaking males with traditional
backgrounds, simultaneously
questioning the role physical strength
plays within the black urban society.
38
HLATSHWAYO, SIMILO W.
JOHANNESBURG
Untitled (Bhodloza)
Mixed media
39
HUGO, RYAN CHRISTOPHER
PORT ELIZABETH
Mopane, sieve
Found objects, twine
180 cm x 150 cm x 0,5 cm
PROFILE:
Hugo was born in 1988 and graduated
in BA(FA) from the Nelson Mandela
Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
This work speaks of the current situation
within our nation. Our Government,
a Trojan horse, under the saddle of
the Goliath from abroad, deceives our
Mopane culture and our land of its
delicacy. Through the work the artist
craves for resolve.
40
JABOUR, PATRICK ANTHONY
JOHANNESBURG
Corporate mask
Digital image on canvas
85 cm x 120 cm
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The work relates to the corporate world,
animal instincts and the strong and the
weak. The environment compliments
these hybrid creatures, exposing
them as the public is unaware.
Confining these creatures in small
spaces was a different element than
a landscape. People reactions are
evident and appeal to the viewer on a
conceptual level. How they duck and
cower! These animals represent a dark,
cruel and greedy world, exploiting and
outflanking the weak. These animals are
predators in the corporate world.
41
JANEKE, DANIO
BLOEMFONTEIN
Fur / pels
Film
PROFILE:
Janeke was born in 1983 and studied for
a diploma at the Central University of
Technology, Bloemfontein.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
What we as people will do in the dark to
improve our identity to adapt.
42
JANSEN VAN VUUREN, NATHAN
JOHANNESBURG
Figures
Oil on canvas
76 cm x 61 cm (Diptych)
PROFILE:
Jansen van Vuuren was born in
1985 and studied for a BA(FA) at the
University of the Witwatersrand. He is
currently studying towards his MA(FA).
Participated in the Absa L’Atelier
exhibition in 2008.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The artist has portrayed
psychological quiet portraits that
appear to be under some kind of
rupture, shadow or deterioration.
43
KAMA, LUNGA
CAPE TOWN
ZE
Photography
76,3 cm x 114,5 cm
PROFILE:
Kama was born in 1982 and studied for a BA(FA)
at the University of Stellenbosch. He is currently
studying towards his MA in Visual Arts. He has
participated in a number of exhibitions, including
the Absa L’Atelier exhibition in 2008 where he
received a Merit Award.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The work is based on a series of movements. It
was inspired by the kind of classical imagery of
the male body. The meaning of the word Ze is
“Nude” and the intent of these images in this
series is meant for that purpose. The theme of
the work is sexuality and the black body. The
work traces the roots of representation of the
black body through photography. The pills are
actually anti-depressants and generic medication
used to decorate the body. There are some visual
references to tribal markings often seen in some
of the South African tribes such as the Xhosa.
44
KEEVY, AMY
PORT ELIZABETH
Flesh
Mixed media
Keevy was born in 1987 and studied for
PROFILE:
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
a National Diploma in Fine Art at the
Six oval frames, each with a middle
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University,
section of kilned formed glass.
Port Elizabeth.
45
KHUZWAYO, LUCKY MOSA
PRETORIA
Compromise (compressor)
Red earthenware
55,4 cm x 67 cm x 49,8 cm
PROFILE:
Khuzwayo was born in 1988 and studied
for a National Diploma in Fine Arts at
the Tshwane University of Technology,
Pretoria.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
This artwork symbolises the attitude
of people in everyday life in terms of
behaviour and discipline that we do not
have to save water. The artist has used an
image of a compressor, with seven pipes,
which symbolises seven colours of our
rainbow nation and this emphasises that
it is everyone’s problem, affecting every
human being. The rusty effect symbolises
the decay and dying of originality and
it emphasises the negligence of rural
people by our Government through the
development of infrastructure and other
forms of living the better life.
46
KNOETZEE, FRANCOIS
EAST LONDON
Brak
Mixed media
95 cm x 50 cm x 62 cm
PROFILE:
Knoetzee was born in 1983 and is
studying for a BA(FA) at Rhodes
University, Grahamstown.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
Brak is a sculpture of the eternal
underdog, gnawing its own leg off.
It alludes to the relentless pursuit of
‘freedom’, which is inherent in all living
things. It is made primarily out of
bubble gum.
47
KRONJÉ, KRISTINE
CAPE TOWN
Nuances of velocity
Photography
176 cm x 130 cm
PROFILE:
Kronjé was born in 1986 and studied
for a BA(FA) at the University of
Stellenbosch.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
Resembling a modernist aesthetic,
“Nuances of Velocity” explores the
acceleration of progress and technology,
which has become so rapid that it can be
mistaken for a form of changelessness.
The works consist of modular glass units
referencing repetition and efficiency.
48
LITTLE, SANDY
BLOEMFONTEIN
You’re so cute I’m going to eat you right up
Digital print and Photoshop
165 cm x 120 cm
PROFILE:
Little was born in 1987 and studied for a
Graphic Design Diploma in Information
Technology and 3d animation, as well as a
BA(FA) at the University of the Free State.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The very saying, You’re so cute I’m going
to eat you right up, sends an uneasiness
down one’s bones. Why is it that all we
want to do is put beauty in our mouths?
I have been bitten, and masticated.
49
LOSSGOTT, KAI
CAPE TOWN
The aperture of chlorophyll
Digital video
20 cm x 25 cm
PROFILE:
Lossgott was born in Germany in 1980
and studied B(Journ) at Rhodes University,
Grahamstown. He has participated in a
number of exhibitions including the Absa
L’Atelier exhibition in 2007 and 2008.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
In “the aperture of chlorophyll”, a fragment
from a poem is typed on a small plant
leaf, an intricate drawing laser-engraved
on another. Influenced by global evidence
of climate change, we are currently
re-defining our collective and personal
identities. As we begin to realise we are
part of a living system, we ask: what is the
borderline of intelligent life? Plants, for
instance, store and process information
in sophisticated ways, communicating
chemically with their environment. They
are capable of learning, and plan for future
environmental conditions.
50
LUBINSKY, TALYA
JOHANNESBURG
Greater than the sum of its parts
Silkscreen and laser printing
54 cm x 47 cm
PROFILE:
Lubinsky was born in 1988 and is
studying for a BA(FA) at the University of
the Witwatersrand.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
This book explores the ways in which
abstract marks could come to stand for
those things that are unarticulatable.
The graphics and tables display the
awkwardness of attempting to fit
more fluid/ephemeral things into the
structure of languages, also pointing
to the difficulty of describing and
analysing usual images through
linguistic articulation.
51
MABASO, PHANUEL
POLOKWANE
Xibelani (traditional garment)
Aluminium casting
39 cm x 14 cm x 8 cm
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
Xibelani is a well-known traditional
Tsonga garment which is normally worn
at happy traditional events. At these
events the young ladies compete against
each other for best dancing styles.
52
MABASO, PHANUEL
POLOKWANE
Xivonele
Aluminium casting
44 cm x 14 cm x 9 cm
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
This lady carries porridge on her head,
which is taken to the bush to serve
to the boys. According to traditional
law, ladies must not be fully dressed
around their breasts.
53
MALATJI, RELEBOGILE AMELIA
PRETORIA
Long journey
Oil on canvas
35 cm x 25 cm (Triptych)
PROFILE:
Malatji was born in 1988 and obtained
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
a National Diploma in Fine Art from
The artwork depicts a journey of self
the Tshwane University of Technology,
discovery. It is painted in oil on canvas.
Pretoria.
The bag is used to show a sense of
travelling, moving forward.
54
MAQABUKA, LUDUMO BANTUBONKE
JOHANNESBURG
Head of state
Mixed media
54 cm x 47 cm
PROFILE:
Maqabuka was born in 1982 and studied
for a National Diploma in Fine Art from
the Tshwane University of Technology,
Pretoria. He has participated in a number
of exhibitions, including the Absa
L’Atelier exhibition in 2004.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The work is inspired by a South African
top cop. A head of state who got busted
for some illegal activities with drug lords
and gangsters.
55
MASWANGANYI, COLLEN
JOHANNESBURG
Tax and tithes
Mixed media
54 cm x 47 cm
PROFILE:
Maswanganyi was born in the village of
Noblehook, Giyani, in 1977. He obtained
the National Diploma in Fine Arts at the
Technikon of the Witwatersrand. His
father, the well-known sculptor Johannes
Maswanganyi, taught him woodcarving.
He has participated in several exhibitions
nationally and internationally. He was
selected as one of the top ten finalists of
the Absa Atelier exhibition in 2001 and
the Absa L’Atelier exhibition in 2010.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The work is about tax and tithes. Some
Christians feel it is the same and should
be exempted from paying tax. Some
do not see a need to pay tax and tithes
as they see it as money for luxury for
Government officials and pastors.
56
MERTZ, ISABEL
PRETORIA
Anthropomorphic spaces 1
Mixed media
120 cm x 115 cm x 70 cm
PROFILE:
Mertz was born in 1987 and studied a
BA(FA) at the University of Pretoria.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
Cities are “the scar tissue of history”
and carry within and on them the
traces of historical ideological and
world changes. Although visually
on the outside cities seem to be
impersonal mounds of concrete, tar and
technology, they are the repositories
of the makings and markings of
human beings and have been created
in the image of humankind – as such
becoming anthropomorphic spaces.
Anthropomorphic Spaces is based on
maps of South Africa; the panels are a
representation of inner cities, while the
surrounding panels become the artist’s
own interpretation of the city.
57
MERTZ, ISABEL
PRETORIA
Anthropomorphic spaces 2
Mixed media
120 cm x 115 cm x 70 cm
58
MERTZ, ISABEL
PRETORIA
Anthropomorphic spaces 3
Mixed media
120 cm x 115 cm x 70 cm
Detail of artwork
59
MINKLEY, EMMA SMITH
PORT ELIZABETH
The digestive organs
Mixed media
PROFILE:
Minkley was born in 1988 and studied
a BA(FA) at the Nelson Mandela
Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth.
She is currently studying for a BTech
Degree in FA(Painting) at the same
university.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
A set of four wooden boxes,
rectangularly shaped and with round
holes cut into the front panel of each,
arranged on a base with four white
feet. This set of boxes is accompanied
by another single box of the same
description, but on longer white legs,
resting on a white pillow.
60
MTSHISELWA, BANTU
PORT ELIZABETH
Hidden treasures
Ceramic
PROFILE:
Mtshiselwa was born in 1985 and
obtained a BTech in Ceramic Design from the
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University,
Port Elizabeth.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
Hidden Treasurers is an exploration journey in clay
discovery. Through the process the nature of the
clay changed with each new experiment. Through
the process natural additives such as different
seed pods and pine needles were added to the clay,
moulded and then placed into a kiln before the
piece has dried. The organic material burns away in
the firing process and leaves an imprint in the fired
clay. Through this process the natural additives are
given a new life. When they burn away they leave
traces behind that were once occupied in the clay
surface. The viewer is encouraged to engage with
the pieces getting closer to them, touching them
and exploring them
61
NAUDÉ, DANIEL
CAPE TOWN
Donkey. Mlungwana, Eastern Cape, 20 October 2009
Photography
75 cm x 75 cm
PROFILE:
P
Naudé was born in 1984 and studied for a
N
BA(VA) at the University of Stellenbosch.
BA
He has participated in number of local and
H
international exhibitions.
in
D
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
O
Extended periods spent in rural South Africa
Ex
brought the artist closer to understanding
b
the complex relationship farmers have with
th
domesticated animals. The artist began to see
d
common animals like donkeys in a different
co
way. It is these instances of mutual connection
w
with animals whose lives are conditioned
w
and determined by their relationships with
a
man that fascinates the artist. He portrays his
m
subjects with a sense of wonder and awe that
su
allows the viewer to see them afresh. In front
a
of the photograph, the viewers find themselves
on the same eye level as the subjugated animal,
o
extending their knowing gaze and reminding
ex
one of man’s uneasy dominion over them.
o
62
NEL, HAIDEE
CAPE TOWN
Higher
Cement, ceramic
50 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm
PROFILE:
Haidee was born in 1977 and studied for
a BA(FA) at the Michaelis School of Fine
Art, University of Cape Town. She has
participated in a number of exhibitions
and received a number of accolades for
her work.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The girl with a spoon, her dress is made
of segments, like building blocks. She is
standing on a stack of plates. Everything
is very fragile.
63
NGAKI, SIYABONGA KHAKA
PORT ELIZABETH
What will become of me
Pen and ink on paper
116 cm x 75 cm
PROFILE:
Ngaki was born in 1989 and obtained
a national diploma in fine art from the
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University,
Port Elizabeth.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The artwork depicts a male figure
with the head visible on the chest.
The artwork deals with the issue
of muti-killings, hence the use of a
decomposing body of a man.
64
NTULI, DHUMULANI
JOHANNESBURG
The disposed bodies
Mixed media
Photo’s: 97 cm x 69,5 cm, Figures: Life-size
PROFILE:
Ntuli was born in 1986 and obtained
a national diploma in visual arts from
the University of Johannesburg. He is
currently studying towards a BTech in
visual arts at the same university.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The work explores the notions of
masculinity, as an overwhelming
burden and as a vulnerable shelter.
This is done by the use of the doily to
subvert masculinity in order to expose
its fragility.
65
PATTENDEN, HEATHER
DURBAN
Communication today series (2010)
Silk-screen, thread, stamp
100 cm x 100 cm
PROFILE:
Pattenden was born in 1987 and is
currently studying towards an MA(FA)
at the University of KwaZulu-Natal,
Pietermaritzburg.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
This series of works was created
using the age-old tradition of paper
embroidery. The images are a comment
on how modern communication is no
longer a personal exchange between
two people. Communication has broken
down and no longer represents what
it used too. SMSs, e-mails, Skype, Mxit,
Facebook, BBM, Twitter and Google
now represents the ‘voice’ of the sender.
People have forgotten what it is like to
pick up the telephone and call.
66
PATTENDEN, HEATHER
DURBAN
Housework series (2010)
Silk-screen, thread
200 cm x 150 cm
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
This series of works was created using
the technique of paper embroidery. The
stitched images depict scenes of the
mundane chore of washing – typically
seen as the female chore. However,
an older man is conducting this
task within the home. These gender
stereotypes are turned upside down
within these works, which also relates
to the particular medium used – real
men don’t embroider.
67
PATTENDEN, MHAIRI KIRSTEN
DURBAN
Walking sticks (2010)
Stoneware and wood
200 cm x 100 cm
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The piece centres on the issue of
journeys. The artist introduces an
individually hand sculptured bird
skull, to a found object, a walking
stick. The artist combines the idea of
birds migrating, walking sticks being
synonymous with journeys, and the
element of skulls representing the
end of such a journey. The artist views
himself as a generation of artmakers
who do not have to be entirely original
but rather taking something familiar
(i.e. walking sticks) and putting
it together differently to create
something new.
68
PETE, MALOSE
PRETORIA
Please wait …..
Oil on board
38 cm x 28 cm
PROFILE:
E:
Pete was born in 1989 in Polokwane.
ne.
He is currently studying towardss a
BTech in Fine Arts at the Tshwane
ne
University of Technology, Pretoria.
ia.
DESCRIPTION
N
OF ARTWORK:
K:
The work depicts a nightscene off a
city corner with lights reflecting on
the road and sidewalk. The painting
ng
captures a moment of isolation from
m
humanity but still bound by its rules
es
and functioning.
g.
69
PHOOKO, LUCKY FRANS
PRETORIA
A Place called Home
Pencil crayon
86.5 cm x 116 cm
70
PIENAAR, KAREN
PRETORIA
Playful weapon 20o02’
Puzzles
100 cm x 150 cm x 45 cm
PROFILE:
OFILE:
Pienaar was born in 1988 and studied
udied for
a BA(FA) at the University of Pretoria.
DESCRIPTION
PTION
OF ARTWORK:
WORK:
The artist makes use of puzzle
e pieces
in the creation of her work of art as
a spontaneous action that illustrates
ustrates
what effects the destruction
ction of
nature have on the earth and the
environment. Mankind is playing
laying a
dangerous game with nature
ture and
is busy reshaping the world,
ld, piece
by piece. Mankind’s negligence
gence in
preserving nature and all within
thin the
Detail of artwork
ecosystem, as well as securing the
future for generations to come are
threatened by man’s own doing.
71
PITSO, THABO
PRETORIA
Radio propaganda
Mixed media
41 cm x 30 cm x 10 cm
PROFILE:
Pitso was born in 1982 and obtained
a Fine and Applied Arts diploma from
the Tshwane University of Technology,
Pretoria. He is currently studying towards
a BTech degree in Fine Arts at the same
university.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The sculpture comments on the heavy
systems of persuasion by governments
and religious institutions to alter, control
and censor the minds of the people.
Portrays the influence of media as a tool
to decide how society should behave.
72
QAPA, DINISILE
EAST LONDON
Informal Traders
Oil on board
35 cm x 145 cm
PROFILE:
Qapa was born in 1976 and studied
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
BA(FA) at Rhodes University,
This painting portrays a way of life
Grahamstown. He has participated
of many people from townships and
in several exhibitions, including the
informal settlements around industrial
Absa L’Atelier exhibitions in 2001,
cities, like East London. These people are
2004 and 2010.
self-motivated and are not prepared to
turn to crime to earn a living. Instead
they collect from dumpsites, recycling
materials like steel, copper wire, tins,
bottles, plastic, etc. They then sell them to
scrapyards, enabling them to feed their
families. Regardless of their situation,
they still hope for a better life one day.
73
RAMADI, THIKHOLI BETHUEL
POLOKWANE
Ancestors passage
Oil on canvas
85 cm x 60 cm
74
SAMPSON, TEGAN JEAN
PORT ELIZABETH
Horsepecious danglion, The long leggard lady
Mixed media
23 cm x 23 cm x 154 cm
PROFILE:
Sampson was born in 1989 and is
currently studying toward a BTech at
the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University, Port Elizabeth.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
This is not an explanation, but a
palpitation of words culminating
internal with external forms. Object,
viewer, subject, reader project their
horsepecious danglion into the long
laggard lady to create a story. Fantastic
imagination is necessary to complete
the third leg. If the object is complete,
the viewer is obsolete.
75
SCHOLTZ, JUNNO
PORT ELIZABETH
Verneuk-beentjie
Mixed media
PROFILE:
PROF
Scholtz was born in 1988 and has
obtained a national diploma in Fine Art
obtaine
from th
the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University, Port Elizabeth.
Univers
DESC
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
A
A plaste
plaster of paris plinth supporting a
door lea
leaning against a wall supported by
an asso
assortment of animal legs.
Detail of artwork
76
SHAW, ALISON JEAN
PORT ELIZABETH
Baste
Mixed media
50 cm x 150 cm
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
Inside a display unit, a mummified cat
(wearing a brassy polar fleece pet jersey)
rests upon a household chopping board.
The human animal’s relationship with
the non-human animal has always been
one of precarious disparity. Throughout
our own domesticated and settled
existence, and even before
man’s attitude towards beasts
has been one of ironic double-play.
While the vast menagerie of
venerated animals, which include
those domesticated, have been
treated with admiration, wonder
and religious devoutness: on cave
walls, through mythical narratives,
in hieroglyphic short-hand, arcane
allegorical detail and the fairytales that
have warmed our infantile bellies.
77
SIBIYA, JOSE BAMBO
JOHANNESBURG
Nize nisikhonzelephela bandla
Linocut
160 cm x 80 cm
PROFILE:
Sibiya was born in 1986. He studied a
three-year course in Printmaking at the
Artist Proof Studio. He participated in the
Absa L’Atelier exhibition in 2010.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
This work was inspired by the quality
time the artist spent with his mother
when she told him stories of his father
when he went to the big city looking for
a job. Cellular phones were not available
or expensive to buy. Thanks to radio
stations with a slot for people to call and
greet their families, tell how much they
love them and even dedicate a song.
Communication was kept alive through
letters.
78
SPRING, SARAH
JOHANNESBURG
The beginning and the end
Digital prints on paper
21 cm x 24 cm
PROFILE:
Spring was born in 1986 and studied
a BA(FA) at Rhodes University,
Grahamstown.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
Book bound in maroon leather cover.
The Beginning and The End was the
first and last book to be published by
Parapraxes Books – publishing house of
the late Mark Hipper. It is a story that
starts and finishes without anything
happening in between.
79
STEYN, DANIËL PETRUS DREYER
PRETORIA
Silent echo
Video
PROFILE:
Steyn was born in 1984 and studied
BA(FA) at the University of Pretoria. He
is currently reading for an MA(FA) at the
same university. He has participated in
several exhibitions, including the Absa
L’Atelier exhibition in 2008 and 2010.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
Silent Echo deals with emotions and
inner turmoil. Our emotions are echoes
of ourselves. We struggle with who we
are and who we need to be – in Freudian
terms the clash between the ‘Ego’ and the
‘Id’. This results in a continuous ‘tug of war’
within ourselves, generating frustration
and rage that we can’t acknowledge or
react upon. The awkward implies our
attempts to deal with these emotions
and how we try and force ourselves into
moulds that do not fit.
80
STODEL, SOFIA MARGUERITA
CAPE TOWN
Removed
Stop-frame animation
PROFILE:
Stodel was born in 1988 and studied a
BA(FA) at the University of Cape Town.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The core concern of this video is the
spatial restructuring of the postapartheid urban landscape in the
form of forced removals. It makes
reference to a place near Delft
called Blikkiesdorp, as many of its
inhabitants have been evicted from
various places around Cape Town.
The map lines have been created by
removing the pigment from paper
with bleach, suggestive of ‘cleansing’
of urban areas during gentrification.
It can also be read more generally as
historical and contemporary forced
removals in Cape Town.
81
TERBLANCHE, ANNELENE
PORT ELIZABETH
Fimum femininum
Digital photographic print on archival paper
143 cm x 157 cm (Diptych)
PROFILE:
Terblanche was born in 1984 and obtained a
National Diploma in Fine Art at the Nelson
Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth.
She is currently completing a BTech Degree.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
This body of work represents an exploration of
two interdependent aspects, which are essential
to the work: form and content. The materials,
iconography and processes are intended to reflect
the transience of mortality, the cycle of life and
the possibility of rebirth that occurs in time and
through change. Repetition of the combined use of
dung and an appropriated ancient female form in
effect constitute the passage of time represented
as death, decay and rebirth. Documenting the
work in a series of photographic representations
is not so much an act of sentimentality but rather
a representation of the temporary participation
of the artist and as a result an analogy to the
temporality of mortal life.
82
TORR, NINA CATHARINA LOUISE
PRETORIA
Objects from quandary
Wood and steel
72 cm x 123 cm
PROFILE:
Torr was born in 1987. She holds a B(FA) from
Parsons the New School for Design, New York.
She has participated in a number of local and
international exhibitions, receiving a number
of accolades.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The title reflects the combination of three
concepts, namely quarry, foundry and dilemma.
It evokes a place where artefacts are excavated,
a place where objects are made and a
metaphorical place of uncertainty. The objects
at first appear to resemble utilitarian objects,
but upon closer inspection, their various
components signal purely aesthetic functions.
The intention is to trigger enough signals for
the viewer to assemble possibilities for each
object, illustrating the human tendency to
search for and construct meaning in something
which in essence might not have any.
83
TURPIN, MURRAY JAMES
JOHANNESBURG
Glass hyena: circa 2011
Serigraph
82 cm x 110 cm
PROFILE:
P
Turpin was born in 1982 and studied
T
ffor a BA(FA) at the University of the
Witwatersrand. He has participated
W
iin a number of local and international
exhibitions, receiving a number of
e
accolades.
a
D
DESCRIPTION
O
OF ARTWORK:
““Activated Serigraph”
Performer – Hyena
P
LLocation – Circa
Exhibition – Banned
E
Duration – 12 Hours
D
LLoser – Charity
84
VAN DER VYVER, CORNELIA MARIA
PRETORIA
City of bytes
Mixed media
38 cm x 38 cm
PROFILE:
Van der Vyver was born in 1977 and
is currently studying BA(FA) at Unisa.
She participated in the 2010 Absa
L’Atelier exhibition.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
Society is going through a process of
social transformation, giving way to
networked social structures. Dominated
by a symbolic economy and highly
dependent on telecommunications it is
knowledge that counts most.
85
VAN NIEKERK, ARNOLD
PRETORIA
When the world was young
Plaster of Paris
124 cm x 68 cm
PROFILE:
Van Niekerk was born in 1983. He studied
for a National Diploma in Fine Art at the
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University,
Port Elizabeth. He obtained his BTech
Degree from the same university.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The artwork consists of 588 plaster of
paris cars in a box frame. There was a
time when Modern referred to all things
new and the future was a promised
Utopia. That which was modern once,
has aged and is now outdated – it was
Detail of artwork
naïve to feel so invincible. Generations
have already passed, striving for the
future ideal, leaving deep-seated
psychological and environmental
burdens. To continue dreaming of a
future utopia is pointless. Preserving
what time we have left has become of
far greater concern.
86
VAN SCHALKWYK, JACOBUS JOHANNES
JOHANNESBURG
Endangered species
Oil on canvas/perspex
128 cm x 128 cm x 18 cm
PROFILE:
Van Schalkwyk was born in 1981 and is
currently studying BA at Unisa. He has
participated in a number of exhibitions,
including the 2010 Absa L’Atelier.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
This multilayered work, in terms of image,
process and content, primarily asks
questions about the issues around the
notion of the sustainability and validity of
traditional painting as a visual language
in contemporary culture. The imagery
deals with the concepts of slaughter
and sacrifice, in other words, death to
maintain life. Should the supposed
death of traditional painting lead to
its extinction? Or will it emerge as a
phoenix from the ashes of contemporary
dismantlement, neglect and distain,
to participate in the discourse and
challenges facing our culture?
87
WASHKANSKY, DALE
CAPE TOWN
Urns: Buchenwald
Lightjet photographic print
101 cm x 115 cm
PROFILE:
Washkansky was born in 1980. He holds an MA(FA)
from the Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of
Cape Town. He also holds Diplomas in Photography
and Film and Television Production Techniques,
majoring in Directing from City Varsity, Cape Town.
He has participated in a number of exhibitions and
received a number of accolades.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
It is a photograph taken at Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany. The artist’s experience of
Buchenwald was that of a landscape of muteness and of untold stories, where history remains
yet to be told. These images relate to the whole
experience of unsettling quietness. The viewer of
these photographs encounters an absence. He sees
that there is no relic left to sustain belief and no
other onto which identity can be projected. There
is no object that can effectively link this site to
its traumatic history. There is acute pathos in the
emotional detachment of these images.
88
WILMOT, CASSANDRA
EAST LONDON
Errorism
Photographic print
69 cm x 81 cm (Triptych)
PROFILE:
DESCRIPTION OF ARTWORK:
Wilmott was born in 1988 and studied a
This series forms part of a larger body of work, which was inspired
BA(FA) at Rhodes University, Grahamstown.
by objects of ambiguity – objects tentatively poised on a fine line
She is currently studying for an M(FA)
between being constructive and destructive. In this particular series,
specialising in printmaking at the same
the artist has tried to mimic the aesthetic of the contentious full-
university. Wilmot has participated in a
body scans done at airports. In these simulations of these scans, fairy
number of exhibitions including the 2010
lights create dark, menacing patches on the body. Although the lights
Absa L’Atelier exhibition.
are harmless, looking at them in the way they are pictured makes
one reconsider our perceptions of what a threat looks like.
89
XUAN, HAIFENG
JOHANNESBURG
Specimen – Faces from East
Mixed media
PROFILE:
Xuan was born in 1976. He studied at
Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing City,
China, and the China Academy of Fine
Arts, Hangzhou City, China. He has an
Advanced Diploma from the University
of the Witwatersrand and is currently
studying towards an MA in Fine Arts at
the same university.
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
The installation work explores the
possibilities and limits of painting in
portrait studies. In the bottles, not only
the faces represented on canvas but also
the painting itself bears the scrutiny of
spectators.
90
XUAN, HAIFENG
JOHANNESBURG
Self-portrait, as a passenger
Oil on canvas
DESCRIPTION
OF ARTWORK:
This self-portrait painting represents
the artist’s own shadow reflecting
on the painting of Parrot by Colin
Richards. In this portrait, the artist
investigated a certain dilemma,
which as a Chinese immigrant he
experienced living in South Africa.
91
PREVIOUS ABSA L’ATELIER WINNERS
(Known as Volkskas Bank Atelier Competition up to 1998
and from 1999 to 2001 known as Absa Atelier Competition)
1986
Winner
Penny Siopis
Merit Award Winners
Deborah Bell
Andrew Breebaart
Dennis Purvis
Simon Stone
1987
Winner
Clive van den Berg
Merit Award Winners
Andries Botha
Philippa Hobbs
Tommy Motswai
Karel Nel
1988
Winner
Diane Victor
Merit Award Winners
Kay Cowley
Guy du Toit
Johann Louw
Margaret Vorster
1989
Winner
Hennie Stroebel
Merit Award Winners
Caroline Jones
Walter Oltmann
Giulio Tambellini
Jeremy Wafer
92
1990
1994
1991
1995
1992
1996
1993
1997
Winner
Barend de Wet
Merit Award Winners
Andrew Breebaart
Jean Bruwer
Guy du Toit
Judy Woodborne
Winner
Virginia MacKenny
Merit Award Winners
Nicole Donald
Ruth Mileham
Johann van der Schijff
Pierre van der Westhuizen
Winner
Paul Edmunds
Merit Award Winners
Wayne Barker
Marc Edwards
Dominic Thorburn
Minette Vári
Winner
Dominic Thorburn
Merit Award Winners
Siemon Allen
Diek Grobler
Adam Letch
Russel Scott
Winner
Jonathan Comerford
Merit Award Winners
Andrew Putter
Kevin Roberts
Henk Serfontein
Alastair Whitton
Winner
Kevin Roberts
Merit Award Winners
Moses Cetywayo
Gordon Froud
Diek Grobler
Peet Pienaar
Winner
Isaac Khanyile
Merit Award Winners
Hanneke Benadé
Wim Botha
Samkelo Bunu
Berco Wilsenach
Winner
Ilse Pahl
Merit Award Winners
Lucas Bambo
Cecile Heystek
Kim Lieberman
Richardt Strydom
1998
Winner
Karl Gietl
Merit Award Winners
Wayne Barker
Hanneke Benadé
Jean Brundrit
Peter Rippon
1999
Winner
Ryan Arenson
Merit Award Winners
Brad Hammond
Fritha Langerman
Albert Redelinghuys
Vanessa van Wyk
2000
Winner
Brad Hammond
Merit Award Winners
Joni Brenner
Natasha Christopher
Colbert Mashile
Nigel Mullins
2001
Winner
Stefanus Rademeyer
Merit Award Winners
Marco Cianfanelli
Daniel Hirschmann
Brent Meistre
Merryn Singer
2002
Winner
Marco Cianfanelli
Merit Award Winners
Natasha Christopher
Alastair McLachlan
Benninghoff Puren
James Webb
2003
Winner
Sanell Aggenbach
Merit Award Winners
Retha Bornmann
Natasha Christopher
Patricia Driscoll
Berco Wilsenach
2004
Winner
Conrad Botes
Merit Award Winners
Stephen Hobbs
Pieter Hugo
Lize Muller
Robert Rich
Gerard Sekoto Winner
Belinda Zangewa
2005
Winner
Berco Wilsenach
Merit Award Winners
Katherine Bull
Lawrence Lemaoana
Patrice Mabasa
Mikhael Subotzky
Gerard Sekoto Winner
Lawrence Lemaoana
2006
Winner
Ruth Sacks
Merit Award Winners
Nathani Lüneburg
Riason Naidoo
Anet Norval
James Webb
Gerard Sekoto Winner
Nomusa Makhubu
2007
Winner
Pierre Fouché
Merit Award Winners
Nina Barnett
Wayne Matthews
Lyndi Sales
Jaco Spies
Gerard Sekoto Winner
Nina Barnett
2008
Winner
James Webb
Merit Award Winners
Christiaan Hattingh
Lunga Kama
Alhyrian Laue
Antonia Steyn
Gerard Sekoto Winner
Retha Ferguson
2009
Winner
Stephen Rosin
Merit Award Winners
Frikkie Eksteen
Stephan Erasmus
Hannah-Ada Lotz
Mbhekiseni Shabalala
Gerard Sekoto Winner
Nyaniso Lindi
2010
Winner
Ilka van Schalkwyk
Merit Award Winners
Abri de Swardt
Philiswa Lila
Collen Maswanganyi
Hanje Whitehead
Gerard Sekoto Winner
Bongumenzi Ngobese
v
As an artist, there is no formula for success. One thing is certain though: it will take guts. The Absa L’Atelier
art competition rewards brave, young artists with the opportunity to live and learn at the world-renowned
Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris. As a look through the list of past winners will testify, when courage
and this kind of opportunity come together, greatness is sure to follow suit.