Here is my TLDR version. But rather go look at all the works and all the videos for yourself.
(Disclosure I didn’t have time to watch the studio videos although I long to. Maybe I can make some time over the weekend)
Deborah Poynton
Drawing on Black Paper 12, 2021
Coloured pencil and white pen on black Fabriano paper
42 x 29.7cm
We went to Deborah Poynton’s recent exhibition at Stevenson in Johannesburg and one could do a full thesis on the symbolism in her work. It’s really something to experience because the realism is not photo-realistic, there are these hyper-real and surreal elements and it is really intriguing.
Portia Zvavahera
I am praying for you, 2021
Oil-based printing ink and oil bar on canvas
210 x 188cm
Just look at these textures and the warm feeling that this cocoon is evoking. Can I incubate in it for a bit?
Penny Siopis
Not so quiet world, 2021
Glue, ink and oil on unstretched canvas
300 x 217cm
Zander Blom
Monochrome 5, 2021
Oil on linen
50 x 39.5cm
Rahima Gambo
corncockle, red clover, meadow fescue, A Walk series, 2021
Collage and graphite on paper
45.7 x 30cm
I was paging through a sketchbook from 6 years ago and there are lots of drawings of me and my baby and out of my feet roots grow and dig deep into the earth. It would seem like a theme around this is emerging again, especially when I then come across Rahima Gambo’s work. Walking as a grounding practise. Grounding practise in general, especially in stressful times. A friend is talking about his Artists Walks inspired by Julia Cameron and I am jealous – I also want to go on artists walks! – but have no time to investigate what they actually are nor to even contemplate practising them. Not having time is of course an illusion because for sure I could make time. Making time. But need to ground properly first.
And this next one with the shadows seems relevant and similar.
Viviane Sassen
Point of no return red ink , 2021
Digital C-print with acrylic varnish
Image size: 15 x 10cm
Unique
Paulo Nazareth
I’m not including a specific work by Paulo Nazareth because it’s not the individual works that pull me but rather the entire space, which reminds me of the Owl House. I love that he is working with the masks – my goodness have I come across weird conspiracy theories about these face masks we are wearing in the pandemic! I can’t even explain – I tried to engage with one of the people who believe the conspiracies but I could not follow – they were unable to use logical thinking and kept on jumping around and I was just confused. I’m still unable to make sense of it. It had something to do with how wearing a mask is the first step towards turning us all into slaves.
Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi
Arena, 2021
Oil on canvas
150 x 150cm
How calming is this image? The muted colours, the straight lines… I want to stand in front of it like one is supposed to stand in front of a Rothko – close, so that the entire canvas fills all your vision and your peripheral vision – and just let the calm imbue me.
Hylton Nel
Off to China (and back from China), 13 May 2015
Glazed ceramic
5 x 25.5cm
I’m off bye See you soon!