Sonja Britz at Gordart
by Melissa Mboweni
South Africa has one of the world's most 'pro-human-rights' constitutions. And yet, as Sonja Britz points out, this constitution has excluded the rights of animals and left them in a vulnerable position - 'The constitution will not be amended to include animals', said former Environment Minister Valli Moosa. One might think that a debate like this, at a time when we battle the Aids pandemic, is unimportant or irrelevant. Britz's exhibition at Gordart in Melville does nonetheless raise some very pertinent questions.
Britz's naturalistic oil paintings investigate three issues - firstly, she explores the interconnectedness of human and animal fates. Secondly, she looks at the animal as trophy and subject and, lastly, the world of animal toys as a simulation of actual animals is studied. Within this ambit she also tackles the controversial African practice of trading in 'bushmeat' as well as the particularly South African issue of 'canned hunting'.
Many of these issues have their roots, in some way or another, in history and Colonialism. The notion of the 'curio' allowed for the caging of both people and animals. The killing of wild cats for trophies is a practice rooted in colonial times where these skins and stuffed animals were taken back to Europe, treated like artifacts in historical institutions and museums alike. Today, the skins of animals killed during a canned hunt decorate the floors and chairs of many a house in South African suburbs.
Britz's debate hots up when she places images of bushmeat (a gorilla hand) alongside the remnants of an abattoir slaughtering (a sheep skull and chicken feet) in Lives of animals: Gorilla hand (after Karl Amman). It is known that tradition in some South African cultures takes the form of the slaughtering of cows, chickens, goats and sheep. This is a way in which one communicates with one's ancestors. Is Britz saying that these practices are the same? Clearly the circumstances under which these animals are killed and slaughtered are not the same, so is it right to equate them? Where does the practice of ancestral slaughter fit into traditional or contemporary culture? Furthermore, where does the bushmeat trade fit in (if at all)?
Britz' prowess as a painter has allowed her bold statements and observations to hold their ground, resulting in an exhibition which is insightful and thought-provoking.
Opened: November 13
Closed: November 26
Gordart Gallery
78 3rd Avenue, Melville
Tel/Fax: (011) 726 8519
Email: adrienne@gordartgallery.com
www.gordart.co.za
Hours: Wed - Sat 10.30am - 6pm
