Archive: Issue No. 27, November 1999

Paul Edmunds edits comments and queries from readers

From: Stacy Phillips brntdrt@bellsouth.net
Subject: Censorship in the arts

I am doing a research paper on censorship in the arts. I am particularly interested in how other countries deal with censorship with out the "first Amendment " to fall back on. Can you help me or point me in the right direction?

I spoke to artist and gallerist Mark Coetzee, often a subject of censorship himself, and he is willing to help you out where he can. Email him at mark@cabinet.co.za. You can also go to a site called za@play, where you will find an article on him with many cross-references and links to sites which address issues of censorship.

From: Jonathon Foster Williams jfw@jfw.co.uk
Subject: Tretchikoff

I wonder if you can help me, I'm looking for information about the painter Vladimir Tretchikoff for a project I'm working on at the moment, but so far have drawn a blank. Does he still live in South Africa and if so where? Are there any dealers in South Africa that carry his work? I'd be most grateful for any information you might have.

Tretchikoff does still live here, in Cape Town in fact. He has long been regarded as the king of bad taste, but is probably the most widely collected South African artist ever. He seems to be enjoying renewed popularity, perhaps with a touch of late 90's irony. You can spot one of his works in the background of a shot in recent British movie 'Lock, Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels'. If I'm not mistaken, I think this might be in reference to a similar shot I think I recall in 'Pulp Fiction'. As for dealers who carry his work, I'm not sure, but a web search is sure to throw up something. He is given an entry in The Dictionary of South African Painters by Grania Ogilvie, published by Everard Read, 1988, Johannesburg.

From: Laurie Farrell museum@africanart.org
Subject: Do you know?

Do you know how I might contact the publisher of William Kentridge's CD-Rom? An email or fax # would be ideal.

The publisher was David Krut and his address is dkrut@icon.co.za.

From: Barend Piek barendp@xsinet.co.za
Subject: M. Madge

I have a painting by M. Madge. I would appreciate it if you wee able to provide me with information on the painter/artist M.

Thank you very much, with Boland regards, (Rev) B J Piek

Private Bag X 3064 Worcester 6849 South Africa Tel (+27) (023) 3494010 Fax (+27) (023) 3494150

I can only find a little info about Donald James Madge and James Madge, father and son who were both painters. Could it be either of them? What does your painting depict? That might offer some clues. Can anyone else help?

From: Leora Farber farber@excite.com
Subject: Contact numbers for Thami-Mnyele Association

I have been trying to get in contact with the Thami-Mnyele Association in the Netherlands for some time now, but with no sucsess. The numbers I have ( as listed on their webpage) are: Tel/fax: +31 (0) 20 625 6274 email: thami-mnyele@xs4all.nl
Postal address: P.O.Box 10768 1001 ET Amsterdam The Netherlands. Please could anyone who may be/has been in contact with this organization confirm if these contact numbers are still correct.

We don't have any numbers fresher than their website, but perhaps this info will explain things. The Thami Mnyele Association consists of several people for whom the institute is a second or third job. You'd have to be lucky to catch them while they are there on the 'phone, so fax or email is probably a better bet. I have had responses from them in this way.

From: P. N. Collett pcollett@mweb.co.za
Subject: Essay

Hi, my name is Danny, I am a Grade 11 pupil and have a project ahead of me. I was wondering if you would be able to help. I need to write a 15 page essay on a South African Artist. Can you recommend anyone? Do you have some information for me?