Archive: Issue No. 75, November 2003

15.11.03 Berni Searle's 'Float' at DAG
15.11.03 Durban Institute of Technology students' at DIT Gallery, Steve Biko Campus
15.11.03 Anet Norval and Caryn Tilbury at artSPACE Durban
15.11.03 Buzzart at NSA
01.11.03 Tea with Buddha at Re-store

Berni Searle, this year's winner of the Standard Bank Young Artist Visual Award, will be showing her work at DAG. Comprising video and photographic work based on her body, the show was seen at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival earlier this year.

Searle has consistently engaged with her own identity as the ground for her work, utilising her own body as the site of production. Well known for her Colour Me series, she has focused on issues of race and gender.

Here in Float, the images she uses are more ambiguous - a female figure dressed in flowing material gently floats in undulating waters far from land, while another is seen from underneath attempting to walk on a pane of glass covered with oil. The tension is palpable.

An extensive 72-page full colour catalogue accompanies the travelling exhibition.

Opens: November 19
Closes: January 18, 2004

It is that time of the year again when interested observers can pick out the next batch of up-and-coming KZN artists. DIT B-tech Fine Art students' exhibitions open all over Durban utilising galleries and warehouses to show their endeavours. Work includes more traditional media as well a video and installation. As is traditional, the exhibitions will be officially opened at the DIT Gallery, Steve Biko Campus, where viewers will be given a map and a list of times and exhibitors so they can wend their way across Durban from show to show.

Opens: November 20, at 7pm
Closes: November 24

Two Durban Institute of Technology BTech (4th year) Fine Art students are showing their end-of-year work at artSPACE Durban. In the galleries on the first floor is 'meisie kind' by anet norval (sic), a painter who investigates her childhood and gender stereotypes. Upstairs, in the studio gallery, is the work of Caryn Tilbury, a sculptor who is interested in Japanese Anime. Her show is entitled 'Critter Party' and is populated with a host of not-so-benevolent creatures. artSPACEdurban will be open from 7 pm on Thursday, November 20, after the students' prize-giving presentation at DIT Art Gallery, Steve Biko Campus.

Opens: November 17
Closes: November 22

The silly season is on us again but for a moment of sanity in an array of shopping opportunities the NSA is the place to go for choice for festive season shopping. For 2003 the gallery plans to expand the annual 'Buzzart' exhibition into an annual showcase of a wide variety of quality goods - something for everyone. This year, the emphasis will be placed on life-style associations and quality craftwork, as well as individual artworks at affordable prices. Each year the gallery's interior is remodelled to support the new products it is selling.

Opens: November 23
Closes: January 10, 2004

During November, Durban artist Carey May presents, 'Tea with Buddha' a mini exhibition at Re-store in Overport Drive. Honouring the culture of Chinese tea ceremonies, Carey May has found her reference in top South African ceramists, such as Nesta Nala, Anthony Shapiro, Paul de Jongh and Andrew Walford.

Vega, The Brand Communications School in Johannesburg has recently launched Imagination Lab in Westville, Durban. Imagination Lab is a hub for the square pegs in round holes that see things differently and wish to find a place for themselves in the world.

All industries, globally, are in need of multi-skilled conceptual thinkers, who can solve problems across many disciplines; individuals who are not afraid of breaking boundaries, thinking outside the box, challenging conventional approaches to creativity, business and life in general and who are culturally and socially sensitive. Imagination Lab believes it can help fill the gap and the results of their first one-year programme will be showcased at the NSA Gallery. Crossing disciplines from diverse creative fields such as design, architecture, fashion, writing, music, photography and filmmaking the students will show a variety of work.

Opens: November 11, at 6.00pm
Closes: November 16