A variety of South Africa’s best artists will exhibit their work in Anthropology II at The Breathing Space Yoga Centre on Friday. But art lovers need to act fast if they want to catch the exhibition as it ends on Sunday.
From prints to photographs, paintings, ceramics and sculptures, Anthropology II is a celebration of the creative spirit representing predominantly Durban artists. Although these artists vary greatly in discipline and subject, they come together as a collective sharing a passion and journey in expressing their internal and external worlds through fine art.
The artists include Grace Kotze, Elizabeth Jane Balcomb, Megan Bonnetard, Karen Bradtke, Melody French, Kim Goodwin, Jeannie Kinsler, Louise Jennings, Kim Longhurst, Sarah Lovejoy, Deidre Maree, Jane Oliver, Peter Rippon, Michele Silk, Suraya Tewary and Aidon Westcott.
In an interview with Tonight, Kotze shares the concept behind the exhibition: “Being a curator is about celebrating the human spirit which at times takes the form of art-making. So organising and being part of this exhibition is about looking at the world with optimism. Even when a work describes cruelty, fragility, sadness etc, I still see it as positive and as a good artwork. So the exhibition represents humanity’s fumbling’s to make sense of and celebrate this beautiful planet which we are so fortunate to inhabit. Anthropology II also investigates humanity as a collective of individuals who each see the world very differently.”
In terms of the other artists involved, Kotze says: “They vary greatly in content and medium, but all contain excellence. Each artist has such a unique take on their visual and internal worlds which is such a generous offering to the public. The courage to present one’s vision honestly and so publicly takes strength and commitment…”
Kotze has also launched a blog (gracekotze projects.blogspot.com) which promotes artists such as those in this exhibition: “My blog is a means of having an outlet from which to provide a collective, housing my varied interests in art. It is a platform from which I can promote the arts through informing about art courses, curating and selling. It feeds my hungry appetite for the visual arts and hopefully will benefit many artists and art lovers alike. I will be largely supporting Durban artists, but will also bring works of artists from other cities to Durban.”
Kotze says the exhibition will be a great viewing experience: “There is something for everyone. Art works are for sale and the prices vary greatly with many under R500. The public can also come and chat to the artists and hear them give a walkabout on Saturday and Sunday at 11am.”
• The Breathing Space Yoga Centre, 191 Bulwer Road, Glenwood. Friday, 6.30pm- 9.30pm, Saturday. 10am-4pm and on Sunday at 10am-2.30pm. For info, visit Kotze’s blog.