THE VIBRANCY OF OLIVIÉ KECK EXPLORES VIRTUAL REALITY
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CONTENTS
COVER IMAGE Olivié Keck, Die Young, Live Forever, 2019. Posca/Enamel on Hardwood. 38 x 30cm
38 ART AS A REFLECTION OF THE TIMES Despite the turmoil that South Africa seems to constantly be in, our art and our artists are worldclass and thriving, writes Mark Read.
cover story 16
40 RMB SHOWCASES EDOARDO VILLA’S MONUMENTAL CONFRONTATION
THE VIBRANCY OF COLOUR
Just before Youth Day this year, RMB’s Think
Olivié Keck’s vibrant artworks are as appealing
Precinct in Sandton welcomed Edoardo Villa’s
to the eye as they are thought-provoking. Her
thought-provoking landmark sculpture Confrontation
most recent exhibition, Drop Dead Gorgeous,
(1978), a fitting tribute to South Africa’s history.
was accompanied by the Virtual Reality experience Ophelia Forever. We spoke to Keck to
44
BEHIND THE LENS
find out a bit more about her art, which you will
Creative Feel’s vibrant, yellow May cover featuring
find at the Creative Feel stand at RMB Turbine
Nomzamo Mbatha has been one of our most
Art Fair.
talked about. We sat down with the photographer, Oluwaseye Olusa, to find out a bit more about him.
arts & culture
22 WHAT TO EXPECT AT RMB TURBINE ART FAIR 2019 RMB Turbine Art Fair will be held from 12 – 14 July
46 QUESTIONING HISTORY AND HERITAGE THROUGH NOTIONS OF THE OTHER
with a preview evening on 11 July at a new and
An in-depth exploration of a sense of otherness –
bigger venue – 10 Fricker Road, Illovo.
identified through multiple and differing perspectives on history and heritage – sets the tone of Absa
28 SYMBOLS AND METAPHORS IN JUAN STOCKENSTROOM’S PAINTINGS Juan Stockenstroom’s intuitive, streetwise, mixed-media paintings are a far cry from the process-driven lino cuts of his Model C high school art classes.
Gallery’s Our contemporary needs and the other exhibition, which runs from 23 June to 19 July 2019.
48 CHANGING LIVES, ONE NOTE AT A TIME With an overflowing fountain of talent available in our country, selecting SAMRO bursary recipients is
32 TOMORROW’S RISING ART STARS Artist Proof Studio is an innovative and engaged community printmaking centre of excellence founded in 1991.
always a challenge but these rising stars have what is needed to become legendary in the field of music.
Sold R272 832 Douglas Portway, Abstract Composition with Orange Form
Strauss & Co at the RMB Turbine Art Fair Exhibition – A Meeting of Minds: Louis Maqhubela and Douglas Portway 12- 14 July 2019 10 Fricker Road, Illovo, Sandton, Johannesburg Enquiries: 011 728 8246 | jhb@straussart.co.za | www.straussart.co.za Strauss & Co: The global leader in the South African art market
50
SALLYWOOD FOR SOUTH AFRICA?
68
BUILDING A NEW LEGACY
Creative Feel looks at the past and present state of
Vuyani Dance Theatre undertakes to stay true to its
the South African film industry and the efforts to
resolve to remain at the top, if not the best, in the
achieve Sallywood in our country.
creative industry, to continue to develop dance, and for its practitioners to stand and be counted among
56 DIFF: WHERE INNOVATIVE FILM VOICES ARE DISCOVERED AND BORN
the highest disciplines in the general sphere of the creative arts.
With the Durban International Film Festival turning a historic 40 this year, Creative Feel spoke to the DIFF team to find out a bit more about the past and future of this thriving festival.
60 DOCUMENTARY FREEDOM SQUARE AND BACK OF THE MOON FOR MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL The acclaimed documentary feature Freedom
lifestyle and entertainment 74 78 79
CINEMA NOUVEAU BOOK REVIEWS CD REVIEWS
Square and Back of the Moon, directed by Academy Award® Nominee Angus Gibson and celebrated artist and filmmaker William Kentridge, was recently screened at the world-renowned Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.
62 SARAFINA! THE BROADWAY MUSICAL FOR JOBURG THEATRE Joburg Theatre will be restaging the internationally acclaimed Broadway hit musical Sarafina! from 19 July to 11 August 2019 at their Mandela Stage.
64 UNDERSTANDING NELSON MANDELA: 1990 – 1993 In this essay, Dr Noel Solani of DITSONG: Museums of South Africa gives insight into Nelson Mandela’s representations during the period of 1990 to 1993, in light of what would have been Mandela’s 101st birthday this July.
contributors 34
CREATIVITY @ WORK
Dave Mann chats to Jake Singer in his studio.
70
CONSTANT & CULTURAL
Michelle Constant commemorates democracy, freedom and culture.
72
BUSINESS & ARTS
Ashraf Johaardien looks beyond binaries.
76
LITERARY LANDSCAPES Indra Wussow reports back on a decisive intervention into the world of readers.
6 / Creative Feel / July 2019
EDITOR’S LETTER
THE VIBRANCY OF THE ARTS
W
elcome to our July issue! It’s hard to believe that we are already entering the second half of 2019. The July issue is always one of my favourites to work on. For the
past seven years, we have partnered with the annual RMB Turbine Art
Fair (TAF) and its something the whole team looks forward to every year. We feel that it perfectly aligns with what we are trying to do as Creative Feel, to provide a space for artists to grow, thrive and flourish. For us, it’s an exercise in uncovering who the next rising stars in the art world will be, through programmes like Talent Unlocked and The Graduate Exhibition or by browsing the Artist Proof Studio (APS) stand. Each year, I’ve taken note of artists and watched as their artworks have gotten better and better and their prices have gradually soared out of my price range. ‘Discovering’ upcoming young artists who are new to me is something that I delight in. Olivié Keck’s exhibition Drop Dead Gorgeous at Everard Read’s CIRCA Gallery really stuck with me, and the whole Creative Feel team fell in love with her use of colour. The exhibition was accompanied by a Virtual Reality experience at TMRW Gallery, Ophelia Forever, which was such an incredible way to add another dimension to an artwork and was completely immersive. With more and more artists opting to explore this medium, and TMRW Gallery providing the space to do so, the intersection of VR and art is something that everyone should experience – whether you are ‘techy’ or not. Very excitingly – and a first for RMB TAF – Olivié will show Ophelia Forever at the Creative Feel stand, so if you’ll be at the Fair, don’t miss it! With the Durban International Film Festival coming up this month, we also dug into the state of the film industry in South Africa, and we aren’t quite yet where we should be. There is so much talent for visual storytelling in our country, and a richness of stories waiting to be told, that our film industry should really be thriving. Hopefully, with the funds that are now being set aside by various funding bodies for the film industry, we can start seeing more world-class films being made by (and, importantly, for) South Africans. As always, there is just so much happening in the world of arts and culture, particularly in South Africa. To borrow from Mark Read’s article in this issue, ‘I emphatically believe that these early tremulous decades of this millennia will be viewed as a purple patch for art in South Africa. The artists have catalysed the energy of dealers who have succeeded in illuminating astonishing work with exhibitions both locally and internationally.’ It is an honour to be able to put together a magazine that reflects just a portion of this vibrancy. I hope you enjoy the issue!
Tammy
SAMRO Overseas Scholarships Competition FOR SINGERS 2019
Semi-finals: Thursday 15 August Finals: Saturday 17 August Linder Auditorium, Johannesburg For further information or to book a ticket please contact samrofoundation@samro.org.za or call 011 712 8417 www.samrofoundation.org.za SAMRO Foundation
#OSchols2019
@SAMROFoundation
ZoĂŤ Modiga & Levy Strauss Sekgapane Winners of the SAMRO Overseas Scholarships Competition 2015 Photographs: Suzy Bernstein
TEAM FOUNDER & PUBLISHER Lore Watterson; lore@desklink.co.za COPUBLISHER & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Chris Watterson; chris@desklink.co.za EDITOR Tamaryn Greer; tammy@desklink.co.za DIGITAL CONTENT CURATOR Angelia Muller; angelia@desklink.co.za ADDITIONAL EDITORIAL CONTENT: Indra Wussow Dave Mann Michelle Constant Nelson Mandela’s return to his cell on Robben Island IV 1994 PHOTO Jürgen Schadeberg
We love this... Jürgen Schadeberg’s photograph of Mandela looking through the bars of his
Ashraf Johaardien SALES & MARKETING COORDINATOR Zama-Africa Mkhize; zama@desklink.co.za SALES & MARKETING sales@desklink.co.za, sales@creativefeel.co.za DESIGN Leigh Forrest; leigh@desklink.co.za
Robben Island Cell in 1994 was voted as one of the 50 most memorable images of the 20th century by The Photographers’ Gallery in London. Jürgen Schadeberg was born in Berlin in 1931 and, while still in his teens, worked as an apprentice photographer for a German Press Agency in Hamburg. In 1950, he emigrated to South Africa and became chief photographer, picture editor and art director on Drum magazine. It was during this time that Schadeberg photographed pivotal moments in the lives of South Africans in the 1950s. These photographs represent the life and struggle of South Africans during apartheid and include important figures in South Africa’s history such as Mandela, Moroka, Walter Sisulu, Yusuf Dadoo, Huddleston and many others who have been documented at
DISPATCH Khumbulani Dube SUBSCRIPTION & CIRCULATION subs@creativefeel.co.za Published by DeskLink™ Media PO Box 3670, Randburg, 2125 Tel: 011 787 0252 Fax: 011 787 8204 www.creativefeel.co.za www.desklink.co.za
key moments such as during The Defiance Campaign of 1952, The Treason Trial of 1958, The Sophiatown Removals and the Sharpeville Funeral in 1960. Schadeberg’s images also capture key personalities and events in the jazz and literary world, such as the Sophiatown jazz scene with Dolly Rathebe, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and Kippie Moeketsi. Schadeberg, sometimes known as ‘The Father of South African Photography’, is
Printed and bound by
, a Novus Holdings
Company © Copyright DeskLink™ Media
a principal figure in South African and world photography. His major body of work,
The opinions expressed in this publication do not
which spans 70 years and incorporates a collection of some 200 000 negatives
necessarily represent the views of the publisher.
from all over the world, captures a wealth of timeless and iconic images. Jürgen Schadeberg photographed Nelson Mandela from 1952 to 2013 and his comprehensive archive of these South African and many other iconic images can be sourced from www.jurgenschadeberg.com
While every last effort has been made to check that the information in this magazine is correct at the time of going to press, the publisher and their agents will not be held liable for any damages incurred through any inaccuracies.
10 / Creative Feel / July 2019
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On stage at Casta Diva:
A Lunch Date
with a Voice, Piano, and the Upright Bass
C
roatian-born Ziza Muftic will release her sophomore album, Shining Hour, in a delightful lunch-hour concert on Sunday 28 July at 14:00 at Casta Diva’s Vissi d’Arte Theatre. Joining her is
pianist Dr Roland Moses and bassist Nhlanhla Neville Radebe. Shining Hour takes its name from ‘My Shining Hour’, a song of hope and high expectations by songwriter Johnny Mercer. It follows on from her first album, Silver Moonbeams (2015), which was filled with Balkan rhythms, lyrics and melodies. Since moving to South Africa from Croatia with her family in 1992, Muftic has been on an ‘ambitious musical journey’, according to Carol Martin of AllJazzRadio. ‘Her academic and professional success as a jazz vocalist confirms her gutsy approach to creativity, as she explored what she felt was still missing in her own Balkan musicality: a South African musical expression. Subsequently, she has performed with some of South Africa’s top jazz musicians like Reza Khota, and Marcus Wyatt. She was also asked to sing a piece at the SAMRO 2018 composer’s finals, where the composition won in the category.’ Moses and Radebe are seasoned jazz musicians and highly respected session players. They have performed locally and internationally with some of South Africa’s jazz greats. Tickets for the concert are R150 and copies of Shining Hour will be available to purchase. For more info, visit www.castadiva.co.za CF
12 / Creative Feel / July 2019
Pure delight, comfort, art, beauty, cuisine &
service excellence
T
he beautiful and serene Casta Diva Boutique Hotel, nestled on the northern slopes of the Magaliesberg mountain range in Pretoria, is a place to escape the madness of the day-to-day busy world.
If you are searching for a place to relax and enjoy some of
the natural beauty South Africa has to offer, book a room at this four-star boutique hotel and spoil yourself with some affordable luxury. Not only does Casta Diva offer the most amazing accommodation, but there is also a true fine-dining restaurant where your taste buds can enjoy a culinary adventure from breakfast to dinner. Their á la carte menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner offer a selection of dishes sure to satisfy your hunger.
On stage at Casta Diva’s Vissi d’Arte Theatre in July: Saturday 20 July 2019 at 19:30 The Sound of Musicals starring Tonya Koenderman Welcome to The Sound of Musicals – a whistle-stop tour of the
Boutique Hotel A unique venue, nestled high on the northern slopes of the Magaliesberg amidst peaceful and tranquil surroundings that offer stunning views and an unsurpassed setting of natural beauty and elegance in an oasis of peace and serenity in the city.
very best songs from the world’s most loved stage and movie musicals. Your diva for the evening, renowned cabaret artist Tonya Koenderman, will entertain, amuse and, maybe, educate you as she pays tribute to the international hit shows that have had such a big influence on her life and career. With songs from Cabaret, Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Funny Girl, The Sound of Music, Les Misérables and a host of others, this show is bound to have you singing out loud and recalling the tingle of excitement that happens every time the curtains open and the first notes are played. Tickets are R140.
Sunday 28 July at 14:00 Lunch Date with a Voice, Piano and the Upright Bass Croatian-born vocalist Ziza Muftic will release her second album Shining Hour, joined by bassist Nhlanhla Neville Radebe and pianist Dr Roland Moses. Tickets are R150. Stay in-touch, visit their website today, www.castadiva.co.za, and book a room at Casta Diva Boutique Hotel. You could also like the Facebook pages to stay updated on the special events they offer – Casta Diva The Place To; Casta Diva’s Charisma; and Casta Diva’s Vissi d’Arte. Treat yourself to something special as winter tightens its grip on our country; visit Casta Diva Boutique Hotel – the one place where you can truly just… be CF
Restaurant Guaranteed the true Decadent, Divine, Delightful fine dining experience, the perfect fusion between the magic of Casta Diva, fresh ingredients, a dedicated culinary team and the friendliest service of South Africa.
From page to stage The global success of the Marvel movie
‘The process has been rather hard,’ says Phetla, noting that her unique style is often difficult
Black Panther placed
for some dancers to master. ‘I
Africa at the epicentre
very organic place, influenced by
approach choreography from a
of contemporary
a European contemporary style of
popular culture. Keke
on a fluid, almost boneless look.
Chele spoke to Joburg
essential to my work and that was
Ballet’s Senior Soloist Kitty Phetla, who was
movement that places emphasis The isolation of ligaments is very one of the hardest challenges for the dancers.’ Another immense challenge
tasked with turning
for the 2019 Standard Bank
the short ballet film
translating the blockbuster onto a
Young Artist Award winner was
into a longer and more
theatre stage through movement.
substantial work that
through the sets while the
will premiere at Joburg
captured through dance. I would
‘I hope to create excitement strength of the warriors will be
Ballet’s Unbound
like to transport the audience
season at the Joburg
using a similar colour-scheme
Theatre this winter.
into the world of Wakanda by and interpreting some of the most iconic scenes through a vocabulary of unique movements. I have constantly reminded
Claudia Monja in Wakanda for Joburg Ballet’s Unbound season PHOTO Lauge Sorensen
F
or centuries, this continent has been eroded and exploited by the forces of colonialism and
the dancers to have no fear of looking ugly because some of my movements are not considered pretty and I love that.’ Working on the project has been filled with mixed
globalisation. Through the fictional nation of
emotions for Phetla and her colleagues at Joburg Ballet. The
Wakanda, Black Panther gave us a glimpse of how
world-class company has a demanding schedule that saw
Africa might have prospered had these forces never existed.
them put on two classical ballets while working on this sleek,
Although we can never change our past, Black Panther,
neo-classical season. ‘I have had to be smart about how I
which became a top-grossing superhero film, showed us how
work with the company and I fed off of their energy in the
important it is to protect and preserve our African-ness now
studio during rehearsals. We all have good and bad days but
and for future generations.
at the end of the day, we have to deliver,’ she added.
Joburg Ballet jumped at the opportunity to incorporate a
Joburg Ballet offers a range of affordable ticketing
Wakanda-inspired episode into their #BreakingBallet series
options for Unbound, including half price on opening night
on social media, in partnership with the branding company
and a budget-priced morning matinee with all seats just
TBWA/Hunt Lascaris. The bite-sized ballet, which garnered
R100. Bookings are done through Joburg Theatre Box Office,
more than 12 000 views online, featured senior dancers of
by calling 0861 670 670 or online at www.joburgtheatre.com
the company, including choreographer Kitty Phetla, as the
or www.webtickets.co.za. Patrons can also book and pay via
Dora Milaje warriors, laying down a challenge to any would-
the Nedbank app and at selected Pick n Pay stores. This is a
be adversaries of African culture.
season of dance that is not to be missed! CF
14 / Creative Feel / July 2019
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5-14J UL Y Creative Feel / July 2019 / 15
Mon i k eM Cr i s t i n aC & B r u n o MP i r a n d: a | P h o t o : L a u g e e n s e n o n i k e r i s t i n a | h o t o L au g e S o r e n s e nSor
Creative Feel will be showing Olivié Keck’s Ophelia Forever and some pieces from Drop Dead Gorgeous at our stand at RMB Turbine Art Fair from 12 to 14 July 2019, so come and explore another reality!
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