This exhibition will look at interpretations of arrangements of anatomical revisions, architectural inquiries, and the incorporation of indigenous or nonindigenous botanicals. Curator Sandro Trapani joins Mid-Morning Magic's Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to highlight this exhibition.

Artists were given the exhibition brief and were free to address and interpret these themes as they pleased. An example of this theme can be seen in the mixed-media sculpture and painting of Sandro Trapani, which explores aesthetic dominance in portraiture and includes architectural and botanical elements.

Throughout history, botanicals have served various purposes such as food, medicine, and fabrics, and have been incorporated into architecture. They have been used to strengthen structures or for decorative purposes, cladding, and textiles, as seen in the Art Nouveau movement. Architecture exists to accommodate the human body and create environments and spaces we inhabit.

The human form, architecture, and botanicals have long-standing relationships in art and design, playing significant roles in shaping culture and identity. These elements have evolved and adapted alongside our existence throughout history. In contemporary South Africa, architecture, botany, and anatomy still hold relevance, acting as metaphors or symbols that contribute to the narratives we construct within our diverse cultural context. While these narratives may be contentiously changing, the values evoked by these elements become woven into the fabric of life.

The show includes five artists: Sandro Trapani as mentioned above; Mpho Gorewang, a stalwart ceramicist who explores the dynamics of earthenware, Raku Firing, and traditional designs sort from nature; while Amogelang Ngake engages with her processes focusing her thoughts on sustainability and ecological concerns; Veteran artist Elna Venter utilises relevant imagery and objects in her mesmerising collages and sculptures; and Pieter Jooste explores abstracted visions of the world around him through the mediums of photography, sculpture, oil, and acrylic paint. 

The exhibition will run till 31 January 2024.

For more information, contact:

NWU Art Gallery Curator, Amohelang Mohajane

Tel:  018 299 4341

email: amohelang.mohajane@nwu.ac.za