Ninth Taxi art book launched
Kagiso Pat Mautloa is the subject of the ninth publication in the TAXI Art Books series. Mautloa is essentially an urban artist. Based in Johannesburg, he draws his inspiration from the street culture and dynamics of the changing city, and the images and people he encounters there.
A graduate of the Rorke's Drift Art and Craft Centre, Mautloa was involved in many local and international artists' workshops in the 1980s and early 1990s. He was a founder member of the Fordsburg Bag Factory, where his studio is still located.
The new book provides an overview of Mautloa's work up to his most recent solo exhibition, as well as insight into his creative process and his central themes. The poet, fiction writer, critic and cultural policy planner, Andries Walter Oliphant discusses Mautloa's installation, assemblage, print and mixed media works, from his days as a student at Rorke's Drift, to his active career of international Biennales and group exhibitions.
Initiated in 2000 by the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and Pro Helvetia Liaison Office South Africa, the TAXI Art Book series is funded by these organisations, together with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the Royal Netherlands Embassy and the National Arts Council of South Africa.
Previous artists published in the TAXI series are Jo Ractliffe, Samson Mudzunga, Jeremy Wafer, Santu Mofokeng, Lien Botha, David Koloane, Noria Mabasa and Steven Cohen. The TAXI books and their educational supplements sell for R150 at Exclusive Books branches and selected bookstores and galleries nation-wide.
The book will be officially launched on November 20, at 5.30pm, at the Bag Factory, 10 Minaar St., Fordsburg, Johannesburg.
