Archive: Issue No. 104, April 2006

11.04.06 Sanell Aggenbach at Art on Paper
11.04.06 Elizabeth Harington at the University of Johannesburg Art Gallery
11.04.06 Andrew Nhlangwini at Gallery Momo
11.04.06 Mari Mira at JAG
11.04.06 Francois van Reenen at The Premises
11.04.06 FUNDA auction at the Goodman Gallery

2.03.06 Colbert Mashile at David Krut Arts Resource
 

Cape Town up-and-comer Sanell Aggenbach's 'Blues and Greys' completes her cycle of works which 'parodies the intersection of history and geography'. The show continues Aggenbach's characteristic multifarious approach, and comprises installations, sculpture, paintings and digital prints. In this sense the show represents something of a development for this gallery, which has previously stuck to its own titular definition quite closely.

Aggenbach was the winner of 2003's Absa L'Atelier Award, and is certainly an artist to watch in the near future. This is her first solo show in Johannesburg.

Open: March 30
Closes: April 29

SA-born American printmaker and musician Elizabeth Harington, shows a collection of graphic works 'based on the preludes and fugues of composer Johann Sebastian Bach' entitled 'Bach in Art'. The visual translation of Bach's music will be accompanied by the musical scores and actual recordings of the work.

In this show, the artist has used the medium of etching to reinterpret the musical score. The works move from small scale through various sizes to a visual climax with large scale etchings and chine-collé on canvas. The intention was to use scale and complexity of image to push the medium of etching to its limits, and possibly 'revolutionize new ways of educating a new generation of Bach lovers'.

Opens: April 5
Closes: April 26

The recent resurgence of painting in SA has seen, as one of its more interesting consequences, the emergence of some strong young black painters. Amongst these are artists as diverse in approach as Colbert Mashile and Kudzanai Chiurai, proving, if any proof were needed, that painting still provides fertile ground for compelling artistic subversion. Add to this list the voice of young artist Andrew Nhlangwini who is currently showing at Momo.

A programme of reclamation underpins this body of work, entitled 'Still Waiting For Our Ancestors and Their Promises', which is an exploration of a pivotal chapter in Xhosa history. The work investigates the circumstances, legend and myth surrounding the prophecies of soothsayer Nonqgawuse, which are said to have led to the great Xhosa cattle killing of 1856 - 57. Nhlangwini employs a painterly approach in these large-scale oils, judiciously borrowing from Guernica-era Picasso in his depiction of animal carnage and consequent human suffering. The (omni)presence of British soldiers in these works makes plain Nhlangwini's assertion that there is significant evidence to suggest British meddling in Xhosa affairs. Nhlangwini's is a strong body of work, and an overdue counterpoint of black representation to the dominance of white artists in the task of rewriting SA history.

Closes: April 10

The JAG showcases 'Mari Mira', a series of site-specific installations and events that explore 'the spirit of the fancy shack'. The exhibition is the product of collaborations between Durban-born resident of France Guy-André Lagesse and artists Pat Khanye, Sibusiso Mbele, Jabulani Mhlabini and Doug Anwar Jahangeer.

Opens: March 19
Closes: May 30

A pioneer of Flash animation filmmaking in the 90's and an accomplished sculptor, van Reenen extracts sentimentality and nostalgia from his 50's-based toy and comic collection, transferring dilemmas of taste and emotion onto his prints and sculptures. The artist's rye sense of humour and self conscious ironic take on the world combined with autobiographical references form the basis of his conceptual and aesthetic approach.

'A Dog's Life' comprises 15 sculptures and a digital print series set against an installation of video monitors showcasing excerpts from his animation works. Van Reenen showed much of this body of work last year at Erdmann Contemporary in Cape Town. He was an ABSA L'Atelier finalist last year.

Opens: 6pm, April 8
Closes: April 29

The Goodman Gallery is closed for exhibitions this month during renovations. On April 23 they are hosting an auction of artworks, 10% of the proceeds from which are going to the FUNDA art centre. Works to be sold can be viewed on April 21 and 22.

Auction: April 23

Colbert Mashile presents 'Monotypes', a series of unique prints and other works on paper, all created at David Krut Print Workshop. Althugh known primarily as a painter, Mashile has produced several series of prints at David Krut Arts resource.

Opens: 12pm, March 4