PRINCE ALBERT OPEN STUDIOS

17-20 June 2021

www.princealbertopenstudios.co.za

Botanical artist Sally Arnold at work (Photo Samantha Reinders) Opposite Page: Acrylic painting by Elcado Blom

Since its outset in 2017, Prince Albert Open Studios has been attracting an array of art lovers to the picturesque Karoo village, Prince Albert. The magnetism of this event owes a lot to the diversity of creatives that are part of its artistic community. Here is a brief taste of what you may encounter…

One can visit the studios of artists painting in both acrylics and oils – Sonja Fourie, Mariana Botha, Kevin de Klerk, Deidre Maree, Cobus van Bosch (who also creates fine handcrafted knives), John O’Sullivan, Erika van Zyl, and Diane Johnson-Ackerman, who is also a printmaker, specialising in etching and linocuts. Also not to be missed is the studio of botanical fine artist and designer Sally Arnold, whose meticulous botanical drawings and paintings are elegant and sophisticated. Newcomer to Prince Albert is Anna Stone, who does resonant portraits and still-life in charcoal, conté, oils, and pastel-painting. Her work can be seen at the Prince Albert Gallery. Also showing there is Mary Anne Botha, who leans towards abstract art, in mixed media incorporating photography and collage. Next door to the Gallery is the studio of Rebecca Haysom, who incorporates collage, painting and paper maché in her narrative pieces. At ‘Karoo Souk’, one can witness specialised and ancient crafts – hand-forged metalwork by artist-blacksmith Kashief Booley, and hand-spinning and hand-weaving of high quality mohair rugs at Karoo Looms. While visiting the functional, there is Pat Hyland, who makes creative lighting with a steampunk edge out of repurposed fittings and old car parts. Another fine craftsperson is Turid Bergstedt, whose meticulous, hand-crafted kaleidoscopes of varying sizes and designs describe beauty arising from geometry. Then there is jewellery designer Di van der Riet Steyn, whose line ‘Karoo Blues’ incorporates found pottery shards set in pure silver into wearable art. On the topic of the found, avid collector Collette Hurt creates pieces from found objects, her signature work being Bull and Gemsbok horns made from rust.

The variety doesn’t end here! There is ceramicist Sue Savage’s light and friendly studio, a space where she teaches classes, and creates and shows her pots. She works entirely by hand-building – pinching, coiling, and slabbing. Another experience not to be missed is that of Heleen de Haas on Aswater Farm. Considering her farm as her canvas, one can experience her letter art and calligraphy in her studio, land art installations, hand-carved letters on stones, a word labyrinth, and letter art used in interior décor! Heleen will be doing guided ‘tours’ daily at 10am and 2pm, and there will be a pop up tearoom!

There are two galleries to visit – the Prince Albert Gallery, which shows a variety of South African artists, specialising in painting, sculpture, printmaking and ceramics, and who also represent local Prince Albert artists; and Watershed Gallery, known for its collection of JP Meyer’s work, and Jürgen Schadeberg prints. It is also home to the studio of Kevin de Klerk, who is currently

Prince Albert in the Distance, by photographer Louis Botha.

Africa - Home, (mixed media acrylic on canvas) by Di Smith

Untitled, (oil on canvas) by Cobus van Bosch

working on transforming a series of Karoo oil drum bins into works of art that can be seen around town – a means of spreading awareness of the significant work of local NGOs. Also to be visited is The Barn Artist Residency, which in June will be hosting resident artist Barend Paul Barnard.

Some of the artists will be showing focussed ‘themes’ and new bodies of work for June’s Open Studios. Multidisciplinary artist Di Smith is shares her ‘Karoo Landscapes’: an expression of her emotions and impressions experienced through her love of adventuring in the area. Multimedia artist Sue Hoppe will be showing her newest body of work – a series of encaustics called ‘Celebrating Karooness’, through which she hopes to put across the essence of her love for the Karoo and her new life here. Photographer Louis Botha will also be showing his love for the Karoo – expressed through images of “roads less travelled, unspoilt landscapes, little dorpies, special people and stories” – his exploration of the Karoo captures an experience of stillness, quiet, open spaces, and simplicity, of slowing down and seeing. Renée Calitz will be showing her new work, experimenting with fibre and textile art. Through mixed media and the ‘slow’ process of embroidery she explores the theme of pausing to really ‘see’.

Photojournalist Samantha Reinders will be exhibiting portraits taken in Ethiopia. She has a flair for making her Open Studios experiences interactive, and will be serving Ethiopian coffee and popcorn (a combination enjoyed there!), as well as a portrait studio set up for visitors who want their portrait taken in the same style as those on exhibit. Prince Albert Community Trust will be holding an exhibition at the POP Centre, featuring four young, up-and-coming artists: Elcado Blom, who is being mentored in acrylics by Louis Jansen van Vuuren and Mary Anne Botha; photographers Selwynw Maans and Nathan Maans, who are both doing an internship with photographer Louis Botha; and Jeffrey Armoed who does wire work.

Studios will be open daily from 10am4pm, 17-20 June 2021. For more info, visit www.princealbertopenstudios.co.za

THE ART OF INNOVATION

Entries now open for Sasol New Signatures 2021

www.sasolsignatures.co.za

Patrick Rulore Winner 2019.

Johannesburg, South Africa - Entries are now officially open for the annual Sasol New Signatures Art Competition 2021. Being the longest-running competition of its kind in South Africa, Sasol New Signatures has become a platform for unknown artists to break into the mainstream art stage. Sasol has sponsored this important art competition for over 30 years and has launched the careers of many household names in art currently working in South Africa and globally.

Said Chairperson Sasol New Signatures, Pfunzo Sidogi: “The Sasol New Signatures Art Competition is not just another art competition – it is an enabler for emerging artists to not only expand the possibilities of art but also to inspire innovation and change.”

This annual competition is open to all South African artists over 18 years who have not yet held a solo exhibition. Artists who have held a solo exhibition for academic purposes (a Master’s degree exhibition) are allowed to enter. Artists can submit up to 2 artworks in all artistic mediums, including photography, performance art, video and installations.

“With the advent of Covid-19, there is a greater need for innovators and creators to shape the world anew and inspire change,” said Sidogi. “Taking on this challenge, the 2021 Sasol New Signatures Art Competition has created a space for eligible emerging artists to imagine, transgress, transcend, disrupt, and innovate through their creativity,” he added.

The ongoing sponsorship of this competition demonstrates Sasol’s commitment to discovering new artistic talent and promoting them to the artloving public, said said Nozipho Mbatha, Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorships at Sasol.

“The art of innovation is one of Sasol’s hallmarks, and the foundation upon which the business was built. It is who we are and have committed to being. For this reason, Sasol is proud to be a key sponsor, together with Association of Arts Pretoria, of this important initiative that seeks to encourage South Africa’s creativity and contribute to our national heritage,” said Mbatha.

Cecilia Maartens-van Vuuren Merit winner 2019

Above: Luyanda Zindela - runner up 2019

Lebohang Kganye winner 2017. Opposite Page: Cecillia Maartens-van Vuuren Merit Winner 2019

Sasol New Signatures is not only about art but also education.

Since 2001, the competition has hosted information sessions for potential entrants. These detailed sessions to give entrants much needed technical information regarding format, size, media and layout of entered works as well as valuable advice regarding the presentation of competition standard work. This year, due to COVID-19, the Information Session will be hosted online on the 7th June 2021 through numerous virtual platforms. All necessary information will can be found on our website.

Contemporary, innovative and emerging artists with winning aspirations are invited to submit their artworks at one of several collection points around the country between Tuesday, 7

September and Wednesday, 8 September 2021, from 10h00 and 16h00.

The winner of the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition will be announced on Wednesday, 10 November 2021. The winner will receive R100 000 and a solo exhibition at next year’s exhibition. The winning works will also be displayed at the Pretoria Art Museum from Thursday ,11 November 2021 to Sunday 9 January 2022., The runner up will receive R25 000 and the five merit award winners will each walk away with R10 000.

The 2019 Sasol New Signatures winner, Patrick Rulore, will hold his first solo exhibition within the official Sasol New Signatures 2021 exhibition. The exhibition is titled “Life in Darkness”. Rulore said of his work: “I am fascinated by the human figure, and in my paintings, I attempt to capture some of the complexity of the body and the enigmatic power which human beings possess. This series explores human connection against the black drop of an ephemeral world of light and shadow. Working on a large scale is crucial to my creative process”.

For more information on competition, Information Sessions and drop off points:

www.sasolsignatures.co.za Or contact: Nandi Hilliard from the Association of Arts Pretoria on 012 346 3100, 083 288 5117 Email: artspta@mweb.co.za