Exhibition space December 2009 DUT Gallery

I am having my final exhibition at the Durban University of Technology Art Gallery. I have taken a few photos of the space so that I can begin thinking about how I want the space to work for me.

Masters (M.Tech) work in progress 2007-2009

When I began work on my practical I was battling to process my ideas so I started working on small canvasses so I could build on my ideas quickly to see what worked and what didn't. The following images are examples of such.

This next painting which marks the beginning of my exploration into the use of collage in the re-presentation of the female body. It began as one big painting which did not seem to work as one piece. After many crits I was advised to separate each element into an individual panel. So as it stands now it creates a triptych. It wont necessarily be displayed in this manner or sequence. The work also marked the beginning of the use of layering and stitching.

This is a series of covered boxes which deals with the idea of concealing and revealing. The viewer is given no clue as to what is under the zip, however, the shape of the boxes refer to the silhouette of the female body in particular the torso. The fabric used for the covers refer to domesticity and the mask which it can often create. The viewer is tempted to unzip the cover to reveal the images/writing on the concealed boxes but feels unsure as to what is hidden underneath. I have decided through a discussion with my supervisor that the outside should provide a small clue/hint as to what the box portrays. This is something I still need to complete.


Below are a few close ups of the boxes individually.

The following are meant to be viewed in a series. They are stitched vinyl panels which re-present the female body. The photos were taken briefly in my studio so aren't of a great quality.

These shapes and silhouettes of the female body are a continuous theme in my work. Below is one of my more recent experiments using found objects. I have used fabric in a more aggressive way but plaiting and weaving it. The sandblasted glass gives the sense of concealment.

RED an exhibition by Penny Siopis

Unfortunately i haven't been in the studio as much as I had hoped this week! However was very fortunate to have attended the exhibtion opening of Penny Siopis' latest exhibtion at the KZNSA, Durban, South Africa. Titled: RED THE ICONOGRAPHY OF COLOUR IN THE WORK OF PENNY SIOPIS. http://www.nsagallery.co.za/current_main.htm

It was an exhibition that came at a perfect time for me as I am studying some of her work for my dissertation. What made the exhibition interesting was that it was a selection of work which was not limited by its time period but rather by its use of the colour red. It was amazing to see all these different series together and in the flesh.

Siopis did a walkabout on Thursday 25th June which was very informative and gave everyone a chance to converse casually with the artist about the work. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Some examples of Penny Siopis's work include:

These pieces, on such a small scale, gave me the oppotunity to really experiment with textures, fabrics and imported objects which are relevant to my life and how i represent myself through my life.

Experimental Canvasses on a small scale

These are a few examples of a piece that I am working on (Untitled still) they will be arranged on the wall so that from far the arrangement suggests an image...will post final image when it is complete

Pre vacation progress

There is no time for me to have a holiday this winter! It's all systems go! putting together a few pieces for an exhibition at Moyo, curated by Tamlyn Martin and trying to get my painting finished to submit for the Sasol new signatures competetion. It's lots to do, but it's all fun :)

Work for my exhibition continues steadily. . .