Archive: Issue No. 87, November 2004

05.11.04 Mandy Lee Jandrell at the Mead Gallery

04.10.04 Mandy-Lee Jandrell at 10 Downing Street
04.10.04 Clifford Charles in Den Haag
01.08.04 'Afrika Remix' opens in Düsseldorf
01.07.04 South African focus at Museum Bochum
01.06.04 Van Den Ende Collection in Holland shows 57 South African artists

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

05.11.04 South African Video Art in Los Angeles

04.10.04 Robin Rhode part of 'Adaptive Behaviour' at the New Museum
04.10.04 Kim Lieberman at Esso Gallery, New York
17.09.04 Kendell Geers at Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati
03.09.04 Personal Affects: Power and Poetics in Contemporary South African Art
01.05.04 Big name South Africans in Washington DC

Following the recent coup of having her work on view at 10 Downing Street (mentioned in last month's listings), Mandy Lee Jandrell will present her first public solo show in the UK, 'Where the Grass is Green', at the Mead Gallery, University of Warwick.

Shot on location in popular local and international attractions including West Midlands Safari Park, Warwick Castle and The Eden Project, 'Where the Grass is Green' brings together a body of new work reflecting on our craving for utopian dreams of paradise through artificial environments.

Mandy Lee Jandrell scours the constructed leisure environment - wildlife parks, botanical gardens, historical recreations and theme parks - for her subject matter, exploring the pre-packaging of our perceptions of the 'real' and the belief systems that sustain them.

Jandrell's mode of operation veers between the amateur snapshot, evoking the engrained practices of cultural tourism, and the apparently more objective full frontal gaze of the professional documentary photographer. The casual humour of her work toys with our unblinking acceptance of these pictorial languages.

Since graduating with a Masters degree from the prestigious Goldsmiths College, University of London, last year, Mandy Lee Jandrell's quietly observed photographic work has been consistently attracting critical acclaim, most recently with her inclusion in the Whitechapel Gallery's East End Academy, an exhibition of 22 of London's most promising young artists, selected by an international panel. Born in South Africa, Jandrell has lived in London since 1998.

Opens: October 6
Closes: December 4

Yes, the 10 Downing Street in London that is the official residence of the British Prime Minister. The UK Government Art Agency (GAC) that is responsible for purchasing art and exhibiting it in Embassies and other high-profile official places recently acquired four works by South African born Mandy-Lee Jandrell. They have decided to exhibit these works together as an exhibition in the Ante-Room at 10 Downing Street, a reception room where VIPs await their meetings with the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers. This space is generally reserve for more contemporary art as is a great testament to Jandrell's increasing international reputation.

The four works show the well-known landmarks of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the Great Wall of China, the Arc de Triomphe and the Taj Mahal as seen in miniature in a fantasy theme park called 'Window of the World' in China. Jandrell's use of the tourist photograph was seen in South Africa in her show at João Ferreira earlier this year. Next month sees her first solo show in the UK. Check next month's listings for more details.

For more information, visit www.gac.culture.gov.uk

Opens: October
Closes: December

'Being Here' features new work by Johannesburg-based artist Clifford Charles. This exhibition will offer new insight into the work of one of only a handful of South Africans who participated in the 2003 Venice Biennale. It would seem that his recent residency at the Amsterdam-based Thami Mnyele Foundation has given even greater prominence to his profile in Europe. Known for his elegant abstract works, Charles is also significant for his work as an activist against racism and homophobia.

Opens: September 23

Billed as 'the largest exhibition of contemporary African art ever to open in Europe', 'Afrika Remix. Contemporary Art of a Continent', which opened at the Kunstpalast in D�sseldorf on July 24, has a participation of 88 artists from 25 countries. Film, literature, music, architecture and design are all represented alongside visual art, with the focus on work produced during the last decade.

The lineup includes a number of established and influential figures who are showing alongside younger artists who have not previously shown in Europe or America. The whole continent of Africa, from Egypt and Morocco to South Africa, is represented, as well as the diaspora (the criterion for inclusion was whether an artist had had direct and formative experience of living in Africa). The exhibition includes newly commissioned works and live performances.

Organising institutions are the Museum Kunst Palast in D�sseldorf, the Hayward Gallery in London, the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris and the Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, with a curatorial team headed by Simon Njami of Revue Noir, and including Jean Hubert Martin, curator of the iconic 'Magiciens de la Terre' at the Pompidou in 1989, criticised at the time for exoticising art from the non-western world, but also later recognised as the first show to stage 'globalisation' as its core theme.

On 'Afrika Remix', South African artists include the ubiquitous William Kentridge, sculptors Jane Alexander and Andries Botha, and photographers Zwelethu Mthethwa and Tracey Derrick.

Opens: July 24
Closes: November 7

An easy train ride from Düsseldorf, the museum in the small town of Bochum chooses a different focus for a major exhibition each year. In 2004, linking with the 10th anniversary of democracy in SA, 'New Identities: Contemporary South African Art' opened for a four month run on July 31. The last time anything as comprehensive was seen in Germany was the survey 'Colours: Art from South Africa', an exhibition in the House of World Cultures in Berlin in 1996.

In 'New Identities', 16 artists present work that reflects on identity, urbanisation and multiculturalism as well as the pressing topic of AIDS. Internationally known artists such as Jane Alexander, Kay Hassan, Zwelethu Mthethwa, William Kentridge and Santu Mokofeng, the last two who were participants on 'Dokumenta X' in Kassel, are showing work together with artists and members of artistic initiatives who are less well known in Germany. Classical artistic disciplines such as painting, sculpture and sketch are represented just as are new media, photography and video.

Traditional forms of artistic expression - Esther Mahlangu's wall paintings, percussion objects by the Venda artist Samson Mudzunga and Rossina Maepa's embroideries - will be shown in this exhibition as contemporary artistic expressions characteristic of the creative force and vitality of South Africa. Other participating artists are David Koloane, Johan Louw, Sam Nhlengethwa, Berni Searle, Penny Siopis, Andrew Tshabangu, Minnette Vári and Sue Williamson.

An accompanying programme with theatre and music events, lectures, discussions, readings and films will present the art and culture of South Africa in its breadth and diversity for the entire duration of the exhibition. The exhibition and the cultural programme is organised in cooperation with Dr. Ralf Seippel, Seippel Gallery, Cologne.

After Bochum, the exhibition will move to the Pretoria Art Museum in South Africa at the beginning of 2005.

Opens: July 31
Closes: November 7

Janine and Joop Van Den Ende of Stageholdings in Holland have put together an impressively large show of South African art entitled 'The ID of South African Art'. The show is informed by issues of identity in South African society and works were purchased from different venues in the country in January 2004. The show will run in conjunction with the musical 'The Lion King'� which will play for approximately two to three years. The show will be on exhibition for the same length of time.

All the works shown were purchased for, and form part of the Van Den Ende Collection. There are 57 artists whose works were chosen for this exhibition and over 108 works of South African painting, prints, drawings and sculptures. The accompanying 300-page catalogue has been put together by Sharlene Khan and also features an article by David Koloane and Sharlene Khan.

The exhibitor lists includes: David Koloane, Stephen Maqashela, Colbert Mashile, Bongi Bengu, Paul Blomkamp, Anton Smit, Collen Maswanganyi, Norman Catherine, Sam Nhlengethwa, Robert Hodgins, Tracey Rose, Deborah Bell, Kay Hassan, Dominic Tshabangu, Sotiris Moldovanos, Mmapula Mmakgabo Helen Sebidi, Velaphi Mzimba, Lucky Sibiya, Amos Letsoalo, Vincent Baloyi, Sharlene Khan, John Baloyi, Gavin Younge, Pippa Skotnes, Jane Alexander, Roderick Sauls, Katherine Bull, Penny Siopis, Phillip Rikhotso, Wayne Barker, Karl Gietl, Sipho Ndlovu, Ricky Dyaloyi, Willie Bester, Xolile Mtakatya, Zwelethu Mthethwa, Beezy Bailey, Lallitha Jawahirilal, George Pemba, William Kentridge, Cecil Skotnes, Walter Battiss, Brett Murray, Philip Barlow, John Murray, Kevin Brand, Wonder Marthinus, James Reed, Jennifer Lovemore-Reed, Nkoali Eausibius Nawa, Gary Frier, Velile Soha, Marlene Dumas, Sandra Kriel, Andries Botha, Stephen Inggs and Fritha Langerman.

All the artists from the show were invited to attend at the expense of the Van Den Endes, although only 40 artists were available to make the opening.

Opens: April 3
Closes: 2005/6 - see above

'Freewaves', taking place in Los Angeles, is in its 9th incarnation as a Biennial festival of film, video and new media. The theme for this year, 'How can you resist?', will feature more than 150 works exhibited in various sites in downtown LA, over an extensive four weekend programme.

The MOCA Geffen Contemporary gallery will provide a venue for the opening of this festival, in which amongst the several dozen projections and installations one will find 'Video Art from Africa': a title that says it all, one supposes. Subtitled, 'Dare to Exist', it is curated by Miguel Petchkovsky and Jeffery Normile and features both established and up-and-coming contemporary South African artists. L.A. will have the opportunity to view the likes of Berry Bickle, Andries Botha, Zen Marie and Tracey Rose - an experience that will hopefully linger long after the last projector has been switched off.

For more information, visit http://www.freewaves.org/artists/index.htm

Opens: November 5
Closes: November 28

'Video from Africa - Dare to exist'

Opens: November 5
Closes: November 7

While it is in the process of relocation and transition, The New Museum of Contemporary Art is launching its temporary exhibition space at the Chelsea Art Museum with 'Adaptive Behavior'. This exhibition presents the work of 11 artists hailing from five continents - Africa, Asia, Europe, North American, and South America - who blur the lines between public performance and personal behaviour.

According to the museum, 'these artists assimilate cultural change and adapt to the kinds of unstable conditions that cause public and private realms to be constantly renegotiated. Many of the works on view involve the exchange of confidences or deal with intimate moments and simple gestures. Drawing on quotidian experiences and common situations, the artists in 'Adaptive Behavior' are reconfiguring and redefining performance, documentation, interactivity, and improvisation.'

'Adaptive Behavior' is co-organised by New Museum Curatorial Team: Trevor Smith, Curator; Yukie Kamiya, Associate Curator; and Dan Cameron, Senior Curator.

Opens: September 18
Closes: November 13

Kim Lieberman presents a show of her evocative work at the Esso Gallery in New York this month. Lieberman's work is fast becoming recognised internationally for its sophisticated appropriation of the formal language of the postage stamp.

Opens: October 20
Closes: November 20

South African Conceptualist Kendell Geers will be showing in a solo show, 'Hung, Drawn and Quartered' in the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati. The show is curated by Matt Distel.

Opens: August 27
Closes: November 7

The much talked-about and much-anticipated New York Show 'Personal Affects' opens at two separate locations: the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and the Museum for African Art. Probably the last big '10 Years'-type survey show, it will feature 17 of the most significant South African artist who will all show new or recent work. Unquestionably a 'blockbuster'.

As part of 'Season South Africa: Contemporary Visual and Performing Arts from South Africa' the Museum for African Art and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine will present an exhibition 'Personal Affects: Power and Poetics in Contemporary South African Art' at their two respective locations in New York City.

'Personal Affects' presents newly commissioned and recently produced works by 17 South African artists. The works represent artists' responses to a weeklong stay in New York and visits with the international team of curators. The exhibition features an extraordinary lineup of artists working in diverse media, including sculpture, drawing, photography, painting, installation, video, performance and dance. Participating artists are Jane Alexander, Wim Botha, Steven Cohen, Churchill Madikida, Mustafa Maluka, Thando Mama, Samson Mudzunga, Jay Pather, Johannes Phokela, Robin Rhode, Claudette Schreuders, Berni Searle, Doreen Southwood, Clive van den Berg, Minette V�ri, Diane Victor and Sandile Zulu.

Advance Notice: How does a work of art work on us? Henry Art Gallery Chief Curator Elizabeth Brown has been developing a concept of 'The Work of the Work' (WOW) over the last two years to probe the way certain works of art actively engage the viewer. Our connection to artwork might be intellectual or visceral or kinaesthetic; it is often multiple, involving some change in bodily sensation at the same time it provokes emotions or mental associations. Such responses are critical to the effectiveness of most, if not all, works of art.

'WOW' presents a selection of works by a small group of international and multi-ethnic artists. By featuring more than a single work by these artists, the exhibition increases audience attention. Viewers are encouraged to focus and therefore more productively engage with the works. Aside from Candice Breitz, the artist line-up includes Catherine Yass, Anne Appleby, Hannah Villiger, Callum Innes, Steve McQueen, Kim Sooja, Gary Hill, and Olafur Eliasson.

'WOW' is curated for the Henry Art Gallery by Chief Curator Elizabeth A. Brown.

The show opens in three parts:

Gary Hill: Tall Ships: August 13, 2004 - February 13, 2005
WOW Stroum Gallery: September 18, 2004 - February 13, 2005
WOW North Galleries: November 6, 2004 - April, 2005

The show 'Insights' features the work of nine contemporary artists from the National Museum of African Art's collection. These artists are: Sokari Douglas Camp, William Kentridge, Jeremy Wafer, Zwelethu Mthethwa, Georgia Papageorge, Ezrom Legae, Iba N'Diaye, Gavin Jantjes and Sue Williamson.

By displaying ensembles rather than individual works, the exhibition reveals the artistic process and play of experimentation, continuity and change in each artist's chosen subjects and materials. The artwork on exhibit reflects the collection's strength in contemporary South African art. As artist Sue Williamson suggests, "Art has several lives - it has one life when you are actually making it, and that process is important for the artist� Then when that's finished, the art begins the second phase of its life, where people react to it in a particular space - in a gallery."

Artists' insights are presented in quotes that illuminate and personalise the works on display, while the curators' comments impart the broader cultural and political themes that inform each artist's work. Together, these insights reveal the artists' varied use of visual metaphor, allegory, myth and even movement to evoke a range of experiences - the joy of masquerade, the resiliency of community, pride of place and the physical and psychic violence of political oppression.

The exhibition, co-curated by Kinsey Katchka and Allyson Purpura, reflects museum director Sharon F. Patton's interest in fostering inventive approaches to exhibiting the museum's collection by including newer staff members in the curatorial process.

Closes: November 28