PHANTASMAGORIA

A collection of fantastical, imaginary and dreamlike artworks RK Contemporary, Riebeek Kasteel 5 Dec 2021 – 27 Feb 2022

By Judy Woodborne www.rkcontemporary.com

Lynda Kropman, Phantasia, tin art, 31x38cm 2021

Phantasmagoria originating from the French “ fantasme & fantasmagorie” entered into use in the English language in the early 19th century and was the title of a London exhibition of optical illusions produced by “magic lanterns” in 1802. Fantastical, imaginative and dreamlike are all descriptions of this term as defined by Merriam-Webster. The phantasmagorical exists in the music of the cantata “Carmina Burana” (1936) by Carl Orff, “Le Rossignol” (The Nightingale), a musical fairytale in 3 acts (1908-14) by Igor Stravinsky and the work of Jacque Offenbach amongst others.

In 1866, when journalist, Jules Vallès wrote “we have had our fill of gravitas and morality! Our thanks to those who have added generous handfuls of gaiety to counterbalance these scales”, he was referring to Jacques Offenbach’s “La Barbe bleu” the irreverent and frivolous operetta which stood in opposition to the “pompous, grandiose aesthetics of the Second Empire.”

We took our cue from Vallès critique and in creating the brief for this exhibition, we invited artists to extend their creativity with the challenge to create anew, redefine, re-

Above: Bastiaan van Stenis, Stray to Sanctum, oil on canvas, 130X130, 2021 Opposite Page: Fanie Buys, The Melody of a Fallen Tree, oil on canvas, 30x23cm 2021

think and re-invent themselves through fresh eyes, a pinch of irreverence and the ability to play with their work. Artists have always had the license to dream and we hoped to stimulate a creative outpouring from this source of inspiration. In selecting artworks for Phanstasmagoria, works were filtered through the traditional criteria of technical competency and ability with the innate content reflecting the sublime inner world or vision of the artist. Yet at the same time we were looking for art that displays another magical quality - the ineffable. This describes a feeling evoked - a sensation that lies beyond language, that confirms you are viewing an artwork that is inspiring, tantalizing and unique.

The artists represented vary from established artists working in their favourite medium to lesser-known artists with a curious and quirky sense of expression. Ceramic work, paintings, mixed media works, crafted work, sculpture, stitchcraft and art on paper comprise this festive exhibition. Curated by artist, Judy Woodborne and gallery owner, Astrid McLeod, this promises to be a feast for the eyes and a counterbalance to gravitas with a celebration of life, colour and festivity in “generous handfuls”.

(References: Offenbach’s Bouffonnerie, Wagner’s Reverie:The Materiality and Politics of the ineffable in Second Empire Paris. The Opera Quarterly, volume 32, Oxford Academic).

www.rkcontemporary.com 32 Main Street, Riebeek Kasteel queries 083 53 33607

FREE STATE WINNER OF 2021 NEW BREED ART COMPETITION BOLDLY PUSHES BOUNDARIES

www.newbreedart.co.za

In deciding on the overall winner of the 2021 New Breed Art Competition, the conversation between the judges highlighted the Free State artist’s bravery, boldness, and conceptual skill in fearlessly exploring the topic of gender and sexuality, and in particular, how the female body is often sexualised and

commoditised.

With instances of sexual transgressions against women dominating global headlines in recent times, the judges couldn’t agree more on the relevance and timeliness of Baitumetse Moloabi’s series of thought-provoking works entitled “Ntho tse snaXXX”, and were unanimous that she deserved the highest accolade in this year’s competition. She was awarded R50,000 in prize money.

Now in its fifth year, this one-of-its-kind art competition is presented by Phatshoane Henney Attorneys, in association with Oliewenhuis Art Museum, the Art Bank of South Africa, and the Free State Art Collective.

“What stood out for our judges this year was the broad variety of mediums used, a freshness in approach, and a boldness by artists in raising and grappling with difficult topics. This made finding the winners an arduous task, with a number of artists being in the running for recognition. But as always, not everyone can win and hard decisions had to be made,” Lesley Mokgoro, competition spokesperson and CEO of Phatshoane Henney Attorneys remarked at the prestigious awards evening in November.

The Runner-Up Award and R20,000 in prize money went to Gabriele Jacobs for his expertly crafted, and technically and conceptually strong sculptures entitled “Silent moments, meditative poses” and “Daddy Long Legs”.

The first of two R10,000 Merit Awards, with which the judges had a bit more leeway to identify emerging talent that should be recognised for their promise and potential, went to Miró Van der Vloed for his sophisticated and superbly

New Breed Art Competition winner, Baitumetse Moloabi’s, Ntho tse snaXXX

executed steel and laser-engraved wood work entitled “Holy viewfinder – Constructing Utopia”, which talks about shifting viewpoints and the process of transformation leading to social change. The judges agreed that this work is profound and that its simplicity underscores the complexity of the message of the artist.

The second R10,000 Merit Award went to Mfundo Mbali in recognition for his large, arresting oil painting entitled “Social distancing” – which so dramatically depicts the distressing tendencies of many to ignore Covid- 19 regulations, which we have witnessed since the pandemic started. The work also talks to issues of a social nature, that were disturbingly highlighted by the pandemic.

These winners were chosen by die official competition judges out of a total of 40 top Free State artists whose 48 works formed part of this year’s official New Breed Art Competition exhibition. The judging panel consisted of artists Usha Seejarim and Wessel van Huyssteen, and Nonto Msomi, Project Manager of the Art Bank of South Africa.

Finally, with nearly 20% of the over 2500 votes cast online, the Public Choice Award went to Jakie Madide for his striking pen and pastel work entitled “In desperate time”, wherein he speaks about how art is a form of expression and exploration, and how this specific work speaks to times when he struggled to juggle his studies and art career all at once. Mokgoro stressed once more that the that the judges were full of admiration for the incredibly high standard of this year’s entries. Since quite a number of works were also in the running for the merit awards, the judges consequently felt that the following artists also deserved special mention: • Daniëlle Pretorius for “Middagslapie” • Ditshwanelo Mosiea for “The narratives of the backbone” • Johandi du Plessis for “Friend of a Friend” (digital installation) • Lyrene Kuhn-Botma for “Quick Response” • Zanoxolo Sylvester Mqeku for “Immortal coils”

Mokgoro finally reflected on the huge value that the two new competition partners who have come on board this year, namely the Art Bank of South Africa and the Free State Art Collective, adds to the competition and the artists that enter. “In addition to the fact that we have for the first time allowed digital media to be submitted and that we are coming out of a world-wide pandemic that has changed the world for ever, it is not surprising that the entries and competition this year feels different and more relevant than ever. It bodes well for the future of the competition and the quality of Free State art.”

For more information: www.newbreedart.co.za.