Greatmore Studios. Celebrating 10 years
may.june 06.08
TAG is a professional visual artists’ newsletter providing a global platform to the artists in residency at Greatmore Studios, Cape Town and also to art practitioners within the network of Triangle Art Trust. As an a compliment to a regularly updated web site, www.greatmoreart.org TAG provides artists with relevant updates about the studios, artists’ work and opportunities in the art arena both locally in Cape Town, on the continent and abroad.
on the web this month …(read more)
in this issue our news
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Greatmore Studios remembers Gabi Nkosi’s contributions to the art community …(read more)
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Greatmore Studios welcome two new resident artists …(read more)
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An All African team TAG reflects on the residencies of four visiting artists to the studios and their approach to artmaking …(read more)
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Building on success TAG looks at how the renovations of the existing studios pick up momentum …(read more)
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Greatmore Studios calls for artists to contribute to a celebratory raffle event …(read more)
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Feedback from a recent workshops hosted by Greatmore Studios …(read more)
in this issue in the loop
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3rd Residency. Ena Carstens returns from a short residency in Mauritius …(read more)
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Person to Person Gary Frier exhibits at the Artscape …(read more)
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Avashoni Mainganye nominated for the SASOL award …(read more)
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Abstract South African Art from the Isolation Years.Part2 Committee members at Greatmore showcase recent work …(read more)
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Call for applications for Tulipamwe International Art Workshop 2008 …(read more)
diarise it …(read more)
editor’s notes
It’s the middle of the year and there is a gentle hum of activity in the studios. While some artists frantically pull strings to see the completion of projects in anticipation of new exhibitions, others stay dedicated to their work behind semi-closed doors, keeping out the cold and containing the flow of ideas and inspiration. In light of recent antagonism displayed towards foreigners across South Africa, some tricky national politics and what seems like the beginning of an economic meltdown, some artists have identified the need to step back from all the activity to make an honest and objective look at their art practice, finding meaningful ways of contextualising their work in the present day realities. There is a need in my view for artists to respond and engage appropriately with the complex issues affecting our community as their creativity allows.
One of the key characteristics of the studios is its diversity. Greatmore Studios has always drawn artists from a large spectrum of economic, social and cultural backgrounds-weight is attached to intercultural dialogue around art making. This has made the interactions that take place at the studios increasingly important in a milieu where suspicion and bitterness pervade. With ten years successfully behind us, we hope the decade ahead will see Greatmore Studios continue to grown into a robust center of understanding and acceptance, embracing a philosophy of diversity of artistic experience. With artmaking seen as a priority at the studios, our pool of seasoned South African artists resident at the studios recognise their unique privilege to have adequate physical and intellectual space to create, developing greater professionalism in their individual careers. This July Greatmore Studios is proud to host a festive mid-year open studio exhibition that pulls together work in progress by three African artists from the continent as well as an accomplished ceramicist from Pakistan. We look forward to a positive experience- please see “Diarise It” for more details about this event.
In Solidarity
Tambudzai La Verne Sibanda Editor
p.s. In our next issue of TAG please take the time read an exclusive interview with Sowetan native and sculptor Mpho Ngwenya. A seemingly simple man, there is a complexity and pure genius that under girds the artists’ work. During his two months at the studios, Mpho has worked with rigorous energy, experimenting with new surfaces, extending his earlier practice
on the web this month
Visit our website to see photographs that emerged from a recent video workshop facilitated by the One Minute Foundation ( www.theoneminutes.org ) at Greatmore Studios earlier this year. Attempts will be made to screen selected videos on the website at their soonest availability. Selected work from the workshop is currently being exhibited at an exhibition in Beijing as part of the city’s official cultural programme surrounding the Olympic Games.
As 2008 celebrates our 10th year anniversary, Greatmore would like to invite our alumnae and friends of the studio to join us down memory lane as we reflect on past relationships, conversations, experiences and artwork that has emerged from interactions at the studios over the last decade. Visit our website next month to share in our growing album of memories. Should you have any special moments captured during past Thupelo workshops, residencies, exhibitions or outreaches, please forward them to info@greatmoreart.org.za for possible inclusion on the website. As a revision to our existing website, TAG is proud to announce the launch of an interview page reserved for exclusive interviews with artists resident at the studios and otherwise. Please click here to view our most recent updates.
keep connected with
www.greatmoreart.org
in this issue our news
Greatmore Studios remembers Gabi Nkosi’s contributions to the art community
Gabisile Nkosi was tragically murdered at her home in Kwa Zulu Natal, Durban a month ago. Project coordinator at the studios, Jill Trappler takes time to remember a friend and fellow artist.
“…many of us worked with her in workshops she attended, and in community projects. She generously gave her time and skills. Her images have a strong, clear message and were beautifully made. For this and her gentleness of spirit we say many thanks. To her family and fellow artists at Caversham Press we send our condolences. Rest in Peace, sister and friend from all at Greatmore Studios and Thupelo workshop.”
Gabisile Nkosi participated in a historic Thupelo workshop in 2006 at Rorke’s Drift Art and Craft Center in Kwa Zulu Natal.
Greatmore Studios welcome two new resident artists
This May saw the arrival of two new resident artists to the studios- Gary Stephens and Mark O’Donovan. Mark is a local conceptual artist who is vigorously exploring a new medium of ‘sonic art’ incorporating the aesthetics of ambient music into a visual experience. Mark has been instrumental in a number of public art initiatives in the city in the past. Gary on the other hand is a true artist of the world. An American who has had a brief stint in Italy, the gentle –spirited artist finds himself at Greatmore exploring his interesting in African flora and forna. Their most recent work in progress will be in view at an open studio event on the 8 July 2008.
An All African team
Greatmore Studios’ greatest strength lies in its diversity. Sisanda Henda takes a few moments with three visiting artists to discuss their approaches to art making.
Steven Bandoma I D.R.C.
Sisanda: Steve you are an artist from Kinshasa, Congo, tell us what led you to the arts ?
Steve Bandoma: I started drawing from a young age and continued until I got my bachelors degree in fine arts in 2004 at the Académie des Beaux-Arts (Academy of Fine Arts).I arrived in South Africa in 2005 during which time I acquainted myself with the unique culture of Cape Town. I got involved in a lot of initiatives with a focus on new media- I participated in the Multimediations project hosted by Cape Africa Platform.
Sisanda: You have a very special connection with the city, what has been your experience of Cape Town? Why Greatmore at this time?
S.B.:I think I found my artistic identity when I came to this city, I do feel that my term at Cape Town has come to an end though- I thought it would be important to end my experience of the city by participating in a workshop or residency at Greatmore Studios. The space provides a much needed opportunity to network. During my residency I have been awakened to new possibilities to participate in international residencies, competitions and exhibition options.
Sisanda: Which artists’ work do you admire? How does it differ from you own approach to artmaking?
S.B.: I like Nandipha Mntambo’s and Pierre Fouche’s work as well; they both explore new media…I identify with Pierre’s techniques, his work is complicated and really grabs one’s attention. My work explores notions of space- I use various materials, ropes, baiting, rubber and other found materials. My themes are so broad- I interrogate ideas around politics, social and racial issues. Although I am confident with the particular technique I use in my art making, I try not to limit myself in my artistic concerns, the art public need diversity.
Sisanda: How have you taken criticism to your work during your stay at the studios?
S.B.: I enjoy criticism because it is part of growing up…I know many artists do not feel comfortable with much criticism. You really have to make an effort to be familiar with someone’s work before passing your judgment,
Greatmore Studios has provided an appropriate space for Steve to experiment, breaking away from the conventions of sculpture making, his work in latex and rubber form some provocative serpentine “sculptures”. Recently Steve facilitated an important workshop at Cape Africa Platform ( www.capeafrica.org ) that saw him discuss with a team of Young Creatives how to compile and design a comprehensive and professional CV and art portfolio including an artists’ statement and biography.
Dineo Seshee Bopapa I South Africa
Sisanda: Where did the journey of art making begin for you?
Dineo Bopapa: I first came into contact with art when I was a little girl, Gcina Mhlope (a South African famous for her story telling and performing art) drew a picture of me reading a book, since that time I started sketching and drawing. I didn’t always want to be an artist though, I went through a series of careers options- I wanted to be a magician at one point and fashion also intrigued me for quite some time. After high school I went to the Durban Institute of Technology, where I completed my BTech degree in fine arts.
Sisanda: It is you first time working at the studios, which artists have you come into contact with that you connect with ?
D.B.: I haven’t seen many artists’ works except for Nandipha Mntambo; I like her persistence and faith she dedicates to her works, she has an unusual confidence. I like the erotic elements evident in her work- her chose of material, the cow hide skin is sensual in a non traditional way. I also like Mpho Ngwenya’s sculptures. I like the way he builds a big piece from small elements… Ndikhumbule Ngqinambi’s use of contrast in his work, the use of light and darkness interests me. I admire how he mixes familiar everyday elements with the things that are almost extra ordinary
Sisanda: What expectations did you have of the studios, have you felt the space has lived up to your expectations?
D.B.: I just wanted a place to work but Greatmore offered to give me more support then I asked- it was quite a surprise to get some support with material and administrative help as well. Being a visiting artist here has given me a space to work. I live with other people where I stay and it can get hard when other people are around. For me Greatmore has provided a place for me to work without interruption – my need for some privacy was fulfilled.
Sisanda: Let’s go back to the art Dineo. Talk us through your choice of medium and your artistic concerns.
D.B.: I work with video, found objects and paint, incorporating various words- I really like to change from one medium to the next depending on what I want my work to say. Sticking to one technique can really inhibit you from growing and exploring. I like the quality of the media I use. My work explores themes around power, sex, loneliness, anger, tension, discomfort- things that have in essence happened to me. I take things from my personal life experiences as well as from my friends. For me my artwork is about making sense of the world. My current work attempts to engage and have relevance to the city.
With an oeuvre that consists of seemingly random drawings, paintings and doodles assembled together June saw Polokwane born artist Dineo Bopape take a month long residency at Greatmore Studios. Bopape has prior to her brief return to South Africa been living and working in the Amsterdam where she was resident at Thami Mnyele Studios. Former Thami Mnyele residents include Moshekwa Langa, Nicolas Hlobo and Doreen Southwood. Dineo is also one of the nominees for the MTN New Artist Award that looks to develop the creative ambitions of young professional South African artists. Recently she exhibited work at the KZNSA Gallery in Durban. Earlier this year she participated in a group exhibition featuring South Africa’s most accomplished emerging artists in Siena, alongside contemporary and resident artist Nandipha Mntambo.
Merid Tafesse I Ethiopia
Sisanda: Merid, what is the art scene like in Addis?
Merid Tafesse: I studied fine art at the university in Addis. It was very hard to get a place because out of 500 applicants there were only 20 available openings! There is a strong interest in the arts among young people in the city.
Sisanda: Do you work full time developing your own work?
M.T.: Whilst developing my own body of work, I teach at an art center that works with street children between 5 and 15 years of age. My interactions with the youth include exposing them to art from across the continent. I find it important to teach the new generation about their history. The centre I work at hosts various performances and art exhibitions.
Sisanda: Foreign artists often find it challenging to process their visas and other travel documents to eventually arrive at Greatmore. What was you experience?
M.T.: Yes it is, I found a lot of red tape with the embassy. The process of me coming here was very challenging and has actually given me inspiration for my art works.
Sisanda: Merid your primary medium is charcoal, what resonances with you about resident artist Nkoali Nawa’s work?
M.T.: I’m impressed by the process Nkoali goes through when creating his work and the fact that he uses charcoal exclusively. I personally like paper and charcoal because it is so cheap! The intensity of the black on paper speaks strongly around issues of race, this is what my first complete series of work entitle The Black Flag attempted to explore. I enjoy a number of themes, notions of borders, boundaries and religion are important for me… observation is essential to developing my work.
Sisanda: In a sentence what is your “Greatmore experience”?
M.T.: I thought I was going to receive only 50% of my expectations - I have received 150%. I love the location!
Building on success
With enormous fundraising support from Greatmore’s most active trustee, Isky Gordon, the studios have recently undergone a much needed facelift to what was a decaying exterior. With a new coat of paint and necessary maintenance in place, the existing studio building is poised for new developments due to start in July 2008. It is hoped that by October 2008 an event’s space would have been created that will see artists in the community use it for performances, art workshops and exhibitions. To make room for these developments some exhibiting studios have had to be re-allocated. Please keep posted to the website for further details about these developments.
Greatmore Studios calls for artists to contribute to a celebratory raffle event
2008 finds Greatmore Studios celebrating its tenth anniversary. To celebrate and reflect on the extraordinary impact that the studios and Thupelo Cape Town have had in the community, in Southern Africa and abroad, the board of Greatmore Studios have proposed to host a raffle draw. For the raffle to be realised, artists who have been identified for their important contributions to contemporary art making in South Africa have been asked to donate a work on paper, less than 100 x 70 cm in size, in any medium; print, painting, photography or digital . Tickets will be sold for R1600 or £100 pounds each, with the hope that each ticket holder will receive a work of art. Greatmore Studios has already received commitments from many artists, including some of the internationally known SA artists.
Artists who have not since received a special invite but feel affiliated with the studios and its various projects, are asked to kindly share in this occasion by submitting artwork for this cause.The funds raised from this initiative will go towards an ongoing development project at the studios. Artwork must be submitted for inclusion in this special raffle by 31 July 2008 and artists are invited to join us at the studios on 14 November 2008 for a day long celebration and raffle draw. Artists working in Johannesburg are encouraged to drop off work at the Bag Factory (www.bagfactoryart.org.za ) in Newtown Johannesburg (10 Mahlatini Street, Fordsburg ) with either James French or Phillip, while artists working in the Eastern Cape are encouraged to drop off work at the Ann Bryant Gallery at 9 St Marks Road, Belgravia, East London . For further queries please contact Mishkaah Roberts or Tambudzai Sibanda on 021 4479 699 .
Feedback from a recent workshops hosted by Greatmore Studios
May 2008 saw Greatmore Studios in partnership with Sieppel Gallery and Cape Africa Platform host a business workshop for art practitioners in the Cape offices at 8 Spin Street in the city centre. Workshops always come with their own challenges –the workshop focusing on Creative Business Development saw the projector manifest with some gremlins; despite the fact that the PowerPoint presentation was heavily disrupted, Beate Baethke rose to the occasion and delivered an informative talk on developing one’s financial literacy for a creative career. I was particularly impressed during the Saturday afternoon workshop to see artists from very different backgrounds, actors, film makers and painters taking the floor and engaging Beate in some very interesting questions on negotiating their careers with more business savvy.
While others equipped themselves with tools necessary to be business savvy in a competitive industry, across the road at the Homecoming Centre of the District Six Museum Nina Gruntkowski, a self described curious and open-minded journalist walked a small class of 15 through new approaches to writing around the arts. With the understanding that many artists are forced to supplement their income through other means, Nina encouraged artists and creative writers to further develop their writing skills, to make intelligent and meaningful contributions to the arts in their communities. Our lives are storied, and through the workshop participants explored their literary skill, taking new and interesting approaches to communicate a particular narrative to their readers. Simplicity, relevance and honesty were emphasised-let’s face it, we all get worn out by long superfluous ramblings! Often as would-be writers, we drag so much of our own baggage and motives into our interviews. Nina encouraged writers to be less assuming and honor the stories of artists they are interviewing; focus must be placed on allowing the artist the space to articulate the direction of their own art practice through their own eyes.
Some of the participants took time to make some meaningful reflections on the respective workshops:
“I enjoyed the writing workshop. It was a lot of information to digest in a short space of time …Nina was great –very relaxed and accommodating everyone especially since we had people from different genre in the arts and different levels of writing skills. The workshop design – techniques on interviewing artists and then creating a text – the tools and tips provide made it easier for future interviews.”
Yvette Dunn, assistant curator at Michael Stevenson
“…the facilitator of the writing workshop did a great job balancing her material to accommodate beginners and experts in the writing field. The workshop also served as an important exchange platform for participants.”
Loyiso Qanya, curator at Cape Africa Platform
“ I found Nina’s writing workshop inspiring and focused. I am interested in writing about art and culture in the broadest sense, so her journalistic approach was useful to me. I learnt quite a bit about my own strengths and weakness- criticism and advice were given in a very supportive way.”
Janet Ranson, artist and committee memberof Greatmore Studios
“I thought it was really informative and I've already incorporated much of the methods into my management processes.”
Gary Frier, graphic artist and committee member of Greatmore Studios
in this issue in the loop
3rd Residency. Ena Carstens returns from a short residency in Mauritius
Resident artist, Ena Carstens arrived at Greatmore as a self acclaimed sculptor –today her work is focused on her explorations of the figure in charcoal. This May marked the artists’ first experience on a residency as a participant of the pARTage Residency Programme (www.artshost.org/partage/), a project that functions under the aegis of Triangle Art Trust ( www.trianglearts.org/) . With an aim to foster cultural and artistic exchange, the residency saw Carstens work alongside three other artists from Kenya, Estonia and Mauritius. Commenting on her recent experiences, the artist commended the warmth, openness and cultural wealth of the Mauritian people. “…there was a sense of everyone belonging. “The residency programme culminated in an exhibition on 5 June hosted by the local Alliance Francaise. Mauritian artist and participant of a recent Thupelo International Urban Workshop in December 2007, Nirveda Alleck also took the opportunity to displayed some of her recent work in this small group show.
Person to Person
This month, sees committee member and practising artist Gary Frier exhibit at the Artscape Resource Centre in a display entitled Person to Person. For more information about this please visit www.artscaperesourcecentre.co.za or otherwise contact Toberin Meyer at toberinm@artscpe.co.za
Avashoni Mainganye nominated for the SASOL award
Former visiting artist at the studios and seasoned sculptor, Avashoni Mainganye has recently been nominated a finalist for the Sasol Wax Awards. A unique competition aimed to recognise the contribution of seasoned mid-career artists in the art arena in South Africa, Mainganye was selected alongside his contemporaries Tracey Rose, Stephen Hobbs, Brett Murray and Hentie van der Merwe. Following their nominations these selected artists have been presented with ZAR 20 000 to make a body of work that explores the application of wax in an innovative way for the Sasol Wax Art Award Exhibition to be hosted by the University of Johannesburg Art Gallery in October of this year. Avashoni was a resident artist at Greatmore Studios for three months in the winter of 2006.
Abstract South African Art from the Isolation Years.Part2
Founding artists of the studios in Woodstock, Jill Trappler and Lionel Davis this month exhibit recent work at the Stellenbosch Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery ( SMAC Art Gallery) .Work on display will also feature the work of Pat Mautloa, Joe Wolpe and the late Ernest Mancoba and Bill Ainslie. For more information about this exhibition please visit www.smacgallery.com or contact the gallery 021 887 3607.
Call for applications for Tulipamwe International Art Workshop 2008
Namibia has been home to the Tulipamwe International Art Workshops. The past few years have seen the workshops take a brief hiatus- this year the Tulipamwe Arts Trust invites artists from across the region to submit applications to participate in a workshop in August 2008. Tulipamwe means “we are together” and is name to ten art workshops that first begun at the Visual Art Department of the University of Namibia (UNAM ) in 1994. Drawing both local Namibian artists and international practitioners for these two week workshops, emphasis is placed on the artists’ creative exploration. It is hoped that notions of the isolated artist are dismantled as artists learn from each other, exchange ideas and explore various working styles. At the end of the workshop artists are invited to present and discuss their most recent body of work to a Namibian audience in a slide show. Interested artists are asked to submit a portfolio including an updated CV, a brief motivational letter for participation in the workshop, 10 images of recent work to Professor Hercules Viljoen at hviljoen@unam.na .Interested artists must indicate if they can raise sufficient funds of their air travel to/from Namibia. Deadline for applications is 30 June 2008.
diarise it
w i n t e r o p e n s t u d i o
e x h i b i t i o n
8 July 2008. 17h30
8 July 2008 marks the 2nd collaborative open studio exhibition of the year at Greatmore. Featuring work by four visiting artists enrolled in the Visiting Artists Programme at the studios, the show invites the community to share and engage in the artists’ most recent explorative and creative journeys over the past few months. Artists featured include Steve Bandoma from Congo (D.R.C.), Merid Taffese from Ethiopia, Mpho Ngwenya from Soweto and Sadia Salim from Pakistan. For more information concerning this programme and the forthcoming exhibition please contact Mishkaah Roberts on 021 4479699 or visit our website www.greatmoreart.org
TAG newsletter is kindly sponsored by:
The Ford Foundation (FF)
The National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF)
HIVOS
National Arts Council (NAC)
Pro Helvetia, Arts Council of Switzerland
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
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