Archive: Issue No. 91, March 2005

04.03.05 'Safari' is Mandy Lee Jandrell's first one-person show in London

01.06.04 Van Den Ende Collection in Holland shows 57 South African artists

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

04.03.05 Leaving an Imprint: South African Show at Axis

04.12.04 Kentridge Overview at the Met

03.09.04 Candice Breitz on WOW
 

With a schedule that seems at times daunting, one has to wonder how Mandy Lee Jandrell does so very much! 'Safari' is a solo show of new work by the Goldsmiths-educated photographer which specifically addresses the continent of her birth. Jandrell is here interested in the construction of Africa. She has focussed particularly on the artificial representation of African cultures and artefacts in the leisure environments of wildlife parks, historical recreations and theme parks in South Africa, China, the UK and the Netherlands. Within these environments, cultural displays are constructed to satisfy this demand and these reconstructions often seem to have more to do with preconceived ideals informed by media than with reality. She investigates the points at which the fake/fantasy meet the real in often quite humorous juxtapositions, using both the seemingly objective look of documentary photography and the ingrained cultural practice of the snapshot. This body of work concerns itself with the interplay between an increasingly global culture and the desire for an experience of an authentic indigenous culture. New work by Mandy Lee Jandrell is always exciting and this solo show of the artist's work is yet another indication of the positive reception that this artist is garnering in the United Kingdom.

Opened: 18 February
Closes: 17 March

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.

Opened: April 3, 2004
Closes: 2005/6 - see above

An exciting exhibition of works on paper by some of South Africa's most significant artists is taking place at Axis Gallery in New York. Entitleed 'Imprints', the exhibition features William Kentridge, Kim Berman, Linga Diko, Stephan Erasmus, Clinton Fein, David Goldblatt, Robert Hodgins, David Koloane, Zwelethu Mthethwa, Brett Murray, Sam Nhlengethwa, Diana Page, Tracey Rose, Uyanda Tom, Hentie van der Merwe and Graeme Williams. 'Imprints' promises to expose the importance of works on paper at a time when more and more South African artists are choosing to make such work.

Opened: February 8
Closes: April 2

A solo show of works by William Kentridge will be on view at The Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York until April 2005. The Met is one of the world's most important and influential art museums and this show, drawn from the institution's own holdings, yet again demonstrates the high regard in which Kentridge is held internationally. The exhibition focuses on the period 1989-2001 and attempts to give a taste of the versatility of the artist.

Opens: November 12, 2004
Closes: April 10, 2005

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