Barcoded magazine 19 by Barcoded Magazine

FEBRUARY 2015

ODD XPERIENC LUIS QUILES: CANDILY ILLUSTRATING SOCIAL ILLS

BARBER ART ‘BIG BANG THEORY’ ACTOR SET TO PLAY ‘GOD’ ON BROADWAY

30 DAYS AND A CITY

CHALLENGING STEREOTYPES AND MISCONCEPTIONS THROUGH ART

Barcoded Magazine

CONTENT CHALLENGING STEREOTYPES AND MISCONCEPTIONS THROUGH ART 7

LIFESTYLE AND CULTURE UNCOVERED - CHALLENGING STEREOTYPES AND MISCONCEPTIONS THROUGH ART

15 OFFRAMP - ANATOMY OF FOOTWEAR (DE-)

CONSTRUCTION WORKSHOP

18 SOUNDBOOTH - EMEKA OGBOH: TRACING

THE SOUNDS OF LAGOS

24 PIXELS - MOVIES

CREATIVE CHRONICLES - 30 DAYS AND A CITY: EXPLORING THE GOOD AND BAD OF JOBURG THROUGH THE EYES OF ARTISTS

34 SPOT ON - ODD XPERIENCE MUSIC GAME-CHANGERS

OPPORTUNITIES

46 FLOATING REVERIE RESIDENCY PROGRAMME PURE ART

ARTIST FOCUS- CARBON COPYCHALLENGING TWIN MISCONCEPTIONS

PURE ART SERIES - TOP 5 CREATIVE CONFERENCES TO ATTEND IN 2015

68 PURE ART REPORT - LEFT OR RIGHT-SIDED?

MULTIMEDIA

70 MULTIMEDIA - LUIS QUILES- CANDILY ILLUSTRATING SOCIAL ILLS

Publisher n8Media Editor in Chief Phumzile Twala @PHUMIT Production Manager Mbuso Mafuyeka @youngbuu Sales Khethiwe Twala @misskittyred Baile Ramaisa Graphic Designer Mbuso Mafuyeka @youngbuu Contributing Writers Phumi Nyalunga @NYALUNGU1 Hazel Mphande @HazelSHUTTERBUG Phumzile Twala @PHUMIT

For general enquiries email info@barcodedmag.co.za For advertising enquries email sales@barcodedmag.co.za khethiwe@barcodedmag.co.za baile@barcodedmag.co.za 011 486- 9488

media EXCEEDING . BRAND . EXCELLENCE

f : barcodedMag t: @BarcodedMag w: www.barcodedmag.co.za e: info@barcodedmag.co.za i : barcodedmag wechat: Barcoded Mag

WORD “The popular mythology of creative genius depends on beloved stereotypes of the artist in youth and old age: the misunderstood upstart who forces us to see the world afresh; and the revered sage who shows us depths of insight attainable only through a lifetime of hard-won experience.”- Martin Filler People will often try to compartmentalize people or concepts which they don’t understand into particular groups in order to better understand them. Stereotypes will always be around. They often birth unwarranted misconceptions at times though. The arts and creative industries aren’t immune to these effects. This month, we themed content “Challenging Stereotypes” which has a dual meaning in a way- we focus on artists who are actively doing this through their work and look at what some of these challenging stereotypes are. Artists often face stereotypes which chip away at their character and force them to find ways of making their true identities known. Others use their gifts to share awareness about common stereotypes or misconceptions. One such artist is Rendani ‘Missblaccdropp’ Nemakhavhahi, curator or ’30 Days and a City’, an exciting, refreshing series which we explore as

Barcoded Magazine

part of Creative Chronicles. Twin photographers Nonzuzo and Noncedo Gxekwa tap into debunking misconceptions through their portrait series ‘Carbon Copy’ (Artist Focus.) We bring you some info about the much anticipated Design Indaba Expo and upcoming residencies and funding opportunities. Discover more about the phenomenon of ‘sound art’ as we profile Emeka Ogboh. We also give you our Top 5 Creative conferences to attend this year (Pure Art Series.) We look at some of the bodies of work by dynamic artists including Thandiwe Tshabalala and Renee Cox (Uncovered) while we also profile Gary Lockwood who creates amazing gas masks made from sneakers. It’s our hope with this edition that we give you different ways of looking at various concepts, themes and ideas. Dare to be different!

Signing Out Phumi (@PHUMIT)

Lifestyle + Culture

Barcoded Magazine

UNCOVERED

Uncovered

CHALLENGING STEREOTYPES AND MISCONCEPTIONS THROUGH ART

Images by Brooklyn-based illustrator Paul Tuller and creative director James Kuczynski

Barcoded Magazine

HOW ARTISTS WHO CHOOSE TO DEFY PERCEPTIONS CONTINUE TO CHANGE THE WAYS OF THE WORLD

Social perceptions about the arts are changing, partly due to the contributions of artists who are actively deconstructing stereotypes.

The Urban Dictionary says a stereotype is “used to categorize a group of people.” The definition goes on to say, “people don’t understand that type of person, so they put them into classifications, thinking that everyone who is that needs to be like that, or anyone who acts like their classification is one.”

African artists have often faced criticism for perpetuating stereotypes about the continent, while others have faced harsh criticism for their headstrong confrontation of stereotypes and misconceptions.

Another definition states that,” it is a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.”

Thandiwe Tshabalala:

A simple Google search done by typing in the words “why are artists so…” is a great example of stereotypes that are associated with being an artist. The search brings up options such as “…poor, weird, depressed, bad at math, important, so messy, gay, tortured souls.” It’s interesting no matter how one looks at it.

Celebrated freelance Cape Town-based illustrator Thandiwe Tshabalala sparked outrage on Twitter in 2014 after she created an illustration labelling cotton as ‘dental floss’ and petroleum jelly as ‘lip gloss’ for poor black women. This work raised an important question by the artist: When did poverty become so offensive?

Artists and creative individuals face daily challenges thrown at them by people who interpret their work. Along with commentary about their skill and talent are stereotypes they are forced to contend with. Some are deserved, while others can be downright ridiculous. For example, musicians are associated with expectations of tardiness, while some actors are expected to have ‘diva’ tendencies. Fine arts is still viewed by some as a career whereby the artist will forever be known as a ‘struggling artist.’

Entitled “Strapped South African Black Well-organized Women Essentials,” the piece had a provocative and powerful blurb that read: “When people’s telephone numbers slide between your butt cheeks. Have you ever been there? You gotta improvise when you’re broke.”

Preconceived notions of artists as bohemians or creatives who can’t hold down ‘real’ jobs are slowly changing.

Tshabalala responded to some stinging remarks with her own conclusion, tweeting: “Some South Africans HATE the Truth including the POOR!” and “I have a feeling some people don’t understand what “strapped” means.”-(@ Thandiworld.)

Although the tide is slowly changing, gender role stereotypes and expectations also frequently seep into the arts. The black male ballerina still contends with strange looks and never-ending questioning of his career choice. Similarly, the female music producer’s skills are still undermined and questioned by male industry counterparts. Some of the greatest creative minds are considered “weird people” with tragic emotional undertones which often underlies their brilliance. Equally fascinating, are those artists who challenge stereotypes formed against themselves and others using the medium of art. Anthony Kurtz: Award-winning art documentary photographer Anthony Kurtz was volunteering in Senegal when he decided to profile a group of female Senegalese mechanics. Titled ‘No Man’s Job’, the portrait series sheds light on women doing the ‘dirty or tough jobs’ performed primarily by men. The Photographer has stated,” My goal is to tell the stories of ambitious and defiant women who are willingly and successfully pursuing these male-dominated jobs despite the scrutiny and disbelief of others.” Speaking about how he wanted to drive his point home, he says, “I take a painterly approach by enhancing the reality and presenting these women as modern-day heroes.”

The work was inspired by the artist’s own experiences of poverty, to which many individuals on twitter responded to with outrage; some expressing how offended they were.

“Being poor and finding other alternatives to resolve certain issues is offensive? Foetsek!”(@Thandiworld) she retorted. Tshabalala continues to create thought-provoking and insolent illustrations.

Renee Cox: In 1994, this artist exhibited a self-portrait entitled ‘Yo Mama’ in which she depicted herself nude, wearing nothing but high heels and wielding her two-year old son as a weapon. Cox is a New York City based artist of Jamaican descent. She has stated: “My main concern is the deconstruction of stereotypes and the empowerment of women. I am interested in taking the stereotypical representations of women and turning them upside down, for their empowerment.” In 2001, she exhibited a photography series entitled ‘Committed’ at the Brooklyn Museum. The most talked about piece was ‘Yo Mamas Last Supper’, a remake of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, depicting Cox as a nude Jesus. Speaking about this piece, she said, “Christianity is big in the African American community, but there are no representations of us [...] I took it upon myself to include people of colour in these classic scenarios.” 9

The artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body of work is politically engaging while strongly challenging the pre-ordained roles of African Americans and Women. Cox continues to push the envelope in her work, questioning society and the roles it gives to blacks and women with her elaborate scenarios and imaginative visuals that offend some an exhilarate others. Barcoded Magazine

Art has been a powerful medium for changing the ways of the world for years. Challenging stereotypes and misconceptions through the medium of art will continue for the foreseeable future, as long as the will to question, ponder and probe endures. By: Phumzile Twala

Entertainment

‘FIFTY SHADES’ DIRECTOR REVEALS ANXIETY WHILE COMPLETING FILM Fifty Shades of Grey director Sam Taylor- Johnson recently revealed she could no longer wait for the film to finally be released. She revealed she was “literally” going out of her mind finishing the film. Speaking of the intensity of working on Fifty Shades, she admitted, “The moment I stepped out of the meeting, I stepped onto one of those bullet trains. The doors closed, and I couldn’t get off. The speed, the velocity, was unbelievable. I need to get off and breathe and think about something else.” The director also reassured readers that she stayed true to the books. “I’ve practically eaten it. I have read it over and over. Jamie (Dorman) and I had to sit and meet various dominants and dominatrices just to make sure we understood that world so that we in no way portrayed it incorrectly,” she added. Fifty Shades of Grey is due for release on February 13th.

NICOLE SCHERZINGER BREAKS IT OFF WITH BEAU LEWIS HAMILTON The former Pussycat Dolls singer has reportedly called it quits with her long-time Formula One driver boyfriend Lewis Hamilton. The pair had been together for seven years and was believed to be planning to wed last year. Pressure from Scherzinger and her family to wed is what apparently caused the rift. A source told The Sub newspaper: “It really is over this time.” 30-year-old Hamilton has insisted that the pair were too busy to tie the knot when he was questioned over their relationship back in December. He said: “I’m certainly feeling pressure, heat from family members. But Nicole’s massively focused on her work the same as I am. We’re happy just the way we are. [Marriage at] one point…will be for us.” Speaking of having kids, he said: “She’s amazing with kids; I think we’re both pretty good with kids…but we don’t have time for that at the moment. There are so many things we want to do, but the great thing is that we support each other with it. All in good time. She’s still massively young and I’m still a young man!”

TUPAC SHAKUR BIOPIC: JOHN SINGLETON SPEAKS COLLABORATORS AND CLOSE FRIENDS OF SHAKUR ALSO SHARES EXPERIENCES AT A RECENT PANEL SESSION/Q&A

Fans of late rapper and actor Tupac Shakur will have to wait a bit longer for the release of the much-anticipated biopic about him- set to be directed by John Singleton. Singleton was hesitant of revealing too much about the project. He did however indulge a bit of information about the biopic. The director who worked with Shakur on the 1993 film Poetic Justice shared his thoughts: “I’m a very passionate person who wants to make the movie I want to make. Tupac’s soul would come back and haunt my ass if it wasn’t done right. His journey was so specific, but it affected billions of people.” Chuck D, Public Enemy frontman commented on what made Tupac so unique: “It was his boldness, like with the single ‘Brenda’s Got a Baby.’ He was doing some mountain-moving shit with his words and movies.” “He made you feel you could do anything when you were around him,” producer QD III shared. Rapper Ray Luv said, “He wanted to be a voice for the lowest common denominator in our society.”

Barcoded Magazine

CLIVE DAVIS PRE-GRAMMY GALA ARTISTS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES Renowned as one of the most prestigious and exclusive music industry events, the gala hosted by Arista Records boss Clive Davis the night before the Grammy Awards has hosted some of the biggest names in music for decades. Looking back at the history of the event reveals that it was initially started by Davis as a way to create more hype around his label. Over the years it increased in popularity and many of the celebs who attend are often awe-struck when they meet some of their idols at this glittering event. Some artists recently shared some of their experiences with Billboard.com: Lionel Richie “I’ve never been signed to any of Clive’s labels, but I’ve attended every party he’s thrown as far back as the 70’s.” Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds “If Clive Davis calls your name, then suddenly, you are a player.” Diane Warren “One night a year, you don’t have to stab each other in the back. You keep the knives on the plate.” Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs “Clive would speak at the Gala like he was talking to the leaders of different countries at a peace summit.”

Offramp

BARBER ART: A GROWING MOVEMENT

Just when you thought your barber was amazing for shaving your head to your satisfaction every time, here comes a trend that’s fast gaining popularity to rock your world. San-Antonio, Texas (US) based contemporary artist and hair stylist Roberto Perez (also known as Robe the Original) creates remarkable works of art using his clients’ scalps and hair as his canvas. His clients can be seen walking around with portraits of the likes of Robin Williams or even stacks of Dollar bills emblazoned on their heads. His toolkit includes standard barber clippers and razors, coupled with coloured eye-liner for the finishing touches. “I create every shape and shade on the portraitlike a puzzle,” Rob says. “You can only do so much with hair, so the eyeliner perfects the picture and makes it look realistic,” he adds.

Barcoded Magazine

ANATOMY OF FOOTWEAR

(DE-) CONSTRUCTION WORKSHOP An exciting four day footwear design course will be held at GRIND Studios in Maboneng Precinct from 23 to 26 February 2015. The Anatomy of Footwear (De-) Construction Workshop is presented by The London College of Fashion Maker Library and MOAD Maker Libraries. From 10 to 5pm daily, Course Director MA Fashion Footwear at London College of Fashion, Eelko Moorer will lead the workshop. The workshop explores alternative pattern-cutting techniques, drawing on methods used in historical footwear design. During the workshop participants will gain an understanding of the structure of a shoe and test the possibilities of its design. Participants are asked to push not what a shoe is but what it can be. As the workshop will accommodate only 15 participants, interested individuals are encouraged to sign up for the 4day course as soon as possible, by sending an email to the Maker Library Network’s Janine Johnston – consultjaja@gmail.com, with the following details included:

·Full Name + Contact Details (tel + email)

·Short introduction to your

interest in Footwear Design, and your design background Visit: http://www. makerlibrarynetwork.org/

Offramp

Barcoded Magazine

MASKED ISSUES CONFRONTED THROUGH SNEAKER CULTURE WHY ARTIST GARY LOCKWOOD TRANSFORMS SNEAKERS INTO GAS MASKS Gary Lockwood is a lifelong artist with an unbridled passion for Hip Hop, graffiti, sneakers and art. After graduating from the Carcaran School of Art and Design with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, he moved to L.A. In 2010, he began a year-long creative project inspired by Noah Scalin’s “Skull-A-Day.” His project was called MASK365. True to its name, MASK365 was a project whereby every day for a year, Lockwood challenged himself by creating/ drawing/ assembling/ designing/ painting/ sculpting a mask and published his work on his website www.freehandprofit.com. The artist says, “This creative gauntlet forced me out of my comfort zone and a few months into the project my hunt for new materials led me to tear a Gucci handbag apart at the seams only to reassemble it into a functioning gas mask/purse. This led him to realise that he really wanted to work with materials that he cared about and revered. He says, “Shoes, kicks, sneakers – whatever you call them – have always been a part of Hip-Hop. The shoes on our feet came to represent a part of our identity. The lines, colour and textures of sneakers sold today even parallel those used by graffiti artists.” Using sneakers to create gas masks symbolized an examination of what the gas mask represents. The artist’s view is that, “It represents atrocities at war, civil unrest, environmental damnation and works both as a symbol of fear and of protection. It also tips its hat to the keepers of the graffiti flame who wore/wear respirators and masks to protect their lungs from their poisonous art of choice. The ties to Hip-Hop’s original art form deepen when we examine the language within graffitithe act of painting renamed “bombing” solidified the warlike nature of the art form.” Ultimately, he seeks to explore issues faced by the Hip Hop community. Issues of identity, materialism and duality intertwine through his work, much like the threads delicately used to manufacture the very sneakers he uses. The masks are a reminder that there are much more serious problems at hand.

By: Phumzile Twala

Barcoded Magazine www-biennaledakar-org

Soundbooth

EMEKA OGBOH: TRACING THE SOUNDS OF LAGOS

www-wefaceforward-org

Sound Art: intriguing, often misunderstood and a growing art form. With the ability to claim space, despite being invisible and ever-present, sound art has often been viewed as an extension of minimalist and conceptual art. Fairly new- ‘discovered’ in the early 1980s, sound art is gaining popularity among museums and galleries. Christoph Cox, professor of philosophy at Hampshire College and co-author of Audio Culture says: “Readings in Modern Music has admitted that ‘sonic experiments’ have been present in modern art history, going back to the Futurists and Dadaists.” He traces sound art back to Cage’s compositions of the 1950s, especially to one work titled 4’33” in which a piano player walks onstage and sits silently for four minutes and 33 seconds while the audience is left to listen to the sounds in the concert hall, including nervous coughs and restless movements.

particular, his hometown Lagos, Nigeria. These Lagos recordings have produced a corpus of work entitled “Lagos Soundscapes,” which he has variously installed in different foreign locales. One of his most recently exhibited works is “Oshodi Stock Exchange.” This piece explores the informal economy in Lagos as a parallel economic sphere governed by its own internal dynamics and system, often referred to as System D. The audio piece focuses on the soundscapes of a hustling and bustling Lagos bus station, the unique voices and sounds utilized by the hawkers in identifying their wares and attracting potential customers and the accompanying piano scores by Kristian Kowatsch. With the consistent transformation of the arts, the credibility of this art form is often questioned. Naturally, there is an inclination to wonder what the difference is between music and this form of art.

Nowadays sound has become an immersive experience and many artists have returned to the emotional power of sound.

One critic has noted that, “Musicians think about sound more linearly and sound artists think more spatially.”

One such artist is contemporary artist Emeka Ogboh, whose works contemplates broad notions of listening and hearing as its main focus.

Ogboh and his contemporaries seem set to shift perceptions about this art form with continued exploration and exhibition.

He works primarily with sounds in exploring ways of understanding cities as cosmopolitan spaces with their unique characters. It has been his goal to employ field recordings to explore the history and aural infrastructure of cities, in

Barcoded Magazine

Ogboh is the co-founder of the video Art Network Lagos. Catch up with him here: www.emekaogboh.com By: Phumzile Twala

SBTV SOUTH AFRICAN TOUR SBTV is the UK’s leading online youth broadcaster covering all angles in and out of the music scene. The media platform has its origins and roots in urban music. What started as a UK focused online urban music channel quickly grew into an innovative and exciting music and lifestyle media platform with global reach. The team recently embarked on a tour of South Africa, covering two major cities. The cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg served as prime areas for uncovering talent and new voices. A 2-part video series capturing the scenes in these two cities was recently released, featuring fresh faces, voices and insights into the music scene in South Africa. The series is commendable because it showcases people and communities that go largely undocumented when international media visits

our shores. Part One captures the Braamfontein scene with DJ Kenzhero and King B outside Father Coffee, as well as a stop by the Red Bull satellite studio to hear Sofaya recording ‘Love in Soweto.’ Concept store Thesis in Soweto is also featured, with a conversation with DJ Wireless G. Part Two features dynamic individuals in the Cape Town creative and music scene. “We were honoured to get the opportunity to fly out to South Africa to connect with the talent out there. We had an incredible time learning about the culture and how music has developed,” SBTV said.

CONVERSE RUBBER TRACKS SAMPLE LIBRARY Converse has launched a new sample library that will provide a growing collection of high-quality audio samples for free to musicians worldwide. Created in partnership with music technology platform and online musician community, Indaba Music, this free online library will serve as a leading resource for bands, artists and producers from all over the world to explore their musical aspirations. Indaba co-founder Dan Zaccagnino recently commented about the partnership in a statement: â&#x20AC;&#x153;With so many musicians having professional recording capabilities in their homes and on their laptops, sampling recorded content has become an in integral part of the music creation process.â&#x20AC;?

Barcoded Magazine

METRO FM MUSIC AWARDS 2015 The glitz and glam of the annual Metro FM Music Awards is upon us yet again. The 14th edition of the Awards is scheduled to take place on the 28th of February at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC.) The list of nominees was recently announced, featuring some of the country’s most successful and emerging musical talents. Nominees for this year’s ceremony, which is themed ‘Celebrating Greatness’ includes the likes of Beatenberg, Afrotraction, Naima Kay, Donald, Black Motion, Lulu Dikana, Moneoa, The Soil, K.O., Cassper Nyovest, Jonathan Butler, Thebe, Kelly Khumalo, Trompies, DJ QT, Musa, Duncan and many more. Visit www.metrofm.co.za for more.

Pixels- movies

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY Following the success of the novel trilogy by E.L. James, ‘Fifty’ will be immortalised on the big screen in a highly anticipated film adaptation of the erotic books. To date, the “Fifty Shades” trilogy has sold over 70 million copies worldwide in e-book and print, making it the fastest –selling book series ever. The storyline follows Anastasia “Ana” Steele, a 21-year-old college senior who attends Washington State University Vancouver in Washington. In place of her friend Kate, Ana interviews 27-year-old Christian Grey, a successful and wealthy young entrepreneur. From this meeting on, Christian engages with Ana in a new type of relationship- BDSM. The film stars Dakota Johnson, Jennifer Ehle, Jamie Dornan, Luke Grimes, Eloise Mumford and Victor Rasuk. Directed by Sam Taylor Johnson, the film is set to be in theatres on February 13th.

Barcoded Magazine

JANE GOT A GUN ‘Jane Got a Gun’ is a thriller directed by Gavin O’Connor. It stars the likes of Natalie Portman, Joel Edgerton, Rodrigo Santoro, Noah Emmerich and Ewan McGregor. Natalie Portman plays a frontier woman who has built a new life with her husband, played by Noah Emmerich, after being tormented by the Bishop Boys ‘outlaw gang. But when her husband gets into a fight with the Boys and their mastermind, Colin, played by Ewan McGregor, Jane is forced to turn to her former fiancé (Joel Edgerton) to protect her family. The film is due in theatres on February 20th.

FOCUS A comedy starring Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Rodrigo Santoro, BD Wong, Adrian Martinez and Stephanie Honore, Focus is due for release on February 27th. Will Smith stars as Nicky, a seasoned master of misdirection who becomes romantically involved with novice con artist Jess (Margot Robbie.) As he’s teaching her the tricks of the trade, she gets too close for comfort and he abruptly breaks it off. Three years later, the former flame- now an accomplished femme fatale- shows up in Buenos Aires in the middle of the high-stakes race car circuit. In the midst of Nicky’s latest, very dangerous scheme, she throws his plans for loop…and the consummate con man off his game.

Pixels news

‘SOUND OF TEARS’ FILM FEATURES IN L.A. FILM FESTIVAL Film by Cameroonian director featuring at Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles Cameroonian director Dorothy Atabong’s film ‘Sound of Tears’ is featuring at this year’s Pan African Film Festival held in Los Angele until 16 February. The film explores the concept of arranged marriages and tells the story of a woman forced to wed in order to uphold family honour. Atabong, also the film’s scriptwriter and producer, explains, “As I researched this topic, I found similar stories of women around the world in the same predicament, many falling victim to honour based violence. After having conversations with human rights advocates and human rights organisations, it became evident that this was an epidemic.

Barcoded Magazine

ENCOUNTERS PRODUCERS’ LAB Encounters is set to host a Producers Lab to support teams from 7 documentary companies to gain skills and tools necessary to operate optimally on the international scene. The Producers’ Workshop is an intensive 4-day programme designed to accelerate projects and give producers an opportunity to benefit from the experience of acclaimed multiple- award winning Syrian documentary producer Irwa Nyrabia (Return to Homs) Other top industry professionals will also tutor in their field of expertise: The role of the producer, creative producing, co-production, raising local and international finance, navigating film festivals, distributional and international sales. The application deadline is 16 February 2015. The workshop will take place from 23-26 March 2015 in Cape Town. For more details, contact Nazeer Ahmed: nazeer@encounters.co.za 021 465 4686

DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKERS’ WORKSHOPS The Documentary Filmmakers’ Association in partnership with the Canadian Film Center (CFC) Media Lab, the National Film and Video Foundation and the Durban Film Mart are hosting one-and-a-half day workshops on the powerful Business Model Canvas Tool for South African filmmakers. Set to be held from 17 -24 July 2015 during the Durban Film Mart, the Business Model Canvas Workshop trains content producers to use business model design techniques and tools to help them identify the unique business model for each project. Interested individuals v=can complete an online application form here: http://docfilmsa.com/business-model-canvas-workshop-application-form/ The application deadline is 28 February 2015 and applicants will be notified of the outcome by the 27th of March. For more info, email: projects@docfilmsa.com

SA films featuring at 2015 Berlin International Film Festival The 65th annual Berlin International Film Festival included seven films from South Africa. Took place until the 15th of February, it is the largest public film festival in the world. It screens around 400 films. The seven proudly Mzansi films include: Breathe Umphefumlo, Coming of Age, Joe Bullet, Necktie Youth, Umbango, Abaabi ba boda boda (The Boda Boda Thieves) and Black President.

Necktie Youth Featuring in the Panorama section of the festival, Necktie Youth chronicles a day in the life of best friends Jabz and September. It follows two Americanized Zulu boys as they go on a drug-fuelled joyride through Joburg’s affluent suburbs. Directed by Sibs Shongwe La Mer, it stars Bonko Cosmo, Kamogelo Moloi, Michael Hall and more. Umbango

Breathe Umphefumlo The film will appear in the Out of Competition section of the festival. It transports Glacomo Puccini’s opera La Boheme to contemporary South Africa and includes songs in Xhosa. The story follows a group of artists, writers and actors struggling to survive in the township of Khayelitsha.

It was through funding during the apartheid era that films such as these were created. State funding was granted to mainly white producers to create films for black audiences. This is one of the few Westerns still in existence from this period and is a typical Wild West story about the battle between good and evil. The film stars Popo Gumede and Hector Mathanda.

Coming of Age This film follows teenagers over the course of 2 years as they grow up in the Southern African mountain kingdom of Lesotho. When Lefa’s best friend Senate leaves the village where they live, she too must decide whether to stay or leave in search of a better education and new opportunities. Joe Bullet The 1973 gangster film is about a manipulated soccer cup final and was one of the first film’s to feature an all-black cast. Although not overly political, the film was banned and did not screen for a long time. Now this unique work, which stars Ken Gampu, Joe Lopez and Abigail Kubheka has been restored.

Abaaabi ba boda boda (The Boda Boda Thieves) This film pays homage to the Italian neo-realist film The Bicycle Thieves (1948). Bod bodas (from border to border) are motorcycle taxis sometimes also used to carry goods. This is a coming-of-age story about a young drifter whose existence is put to the test when an accident stops his father from being able to drive.

Black President Co-produced by Mpumelelo Mcata, the film allows artist Kudzanai Chiurai to escape into a whole other realm following various experiences in the art scene.

Barcoded Magazine

KHUMBA WOWS CHINESE AUDIENCES ‘Khumba,’ an animated production by Cape-Town based Triggerfish, has had a phenomenal theatrical run in China. Released in the country on 31 December 2014, the film has grossed $6million to date. Known as ‘Zebra Story’ to Chinese audiences, the film entered the top ten at number five, even out-performing US animated film ‘The Nut Job.’ Triggerfish CEO Stuart Forrest commented, “China’s box office is set to outrun the US by 2020, so the fact that we are finding an audience there is fantastic. It is encouraging to see the response which our films are getting internationally and it confirms the direction in which we are going as a company, developing original stories for a world-wide audience.” The film, which follows the adventures of a half-striped zebra through the Great Karoo desert, has also been popular with audiences in Europe performing strongly in France, the Netherlands and Belgium where it remained in theatres for an astounding 21 weeks.

Barcoded Magazine googleusercontent-com

Creative chronicles

30 DAYS AND A CITY: EXPLORING THE GOOD AND BAD OF JOBURG THROUGH THE EYES OF ARTISTS

We recently had a chat with Rendani Missblacdropp, curator of 30 Days and a City. The series offers a glimpse into the interpretations of the beautiful and ugly sides of the city of Johannesburg by a variety of fine artists, illustrators, writers and photographers. Initially conceived by Rendani due to her frustrations about common stereotypes about the city, 30 Days and a city presents a multi -faceted view into what makes Joburg buzz and what drives some of the notso-friendly elements. Exploring themes such as interaction with the city, the pace of the city, accessibility, “stuffy situations” as well as unwritten laws, 30 Days and a City gives a well-rounded perspective of Joburg through the eyes of artists and writers.

Firstly, big ups for the initiative. I checked out the blog (www.joburgmyhomeburg.blogspot. com) and I’m loving it. I read somewhere that what inspired this project was your frustration with stereotypes about Joburg. What have you learned about the ways people interact with the city, from the different artists and writers who have contributed? Well, after receiving everyone’s submissions and stuff, the one thing that stood out was that, everyone feels a certain way about the city. And it can either be a good or a bad thing. Not everyone loves the city but, there are people who find a sense of joy in it, you know? For those who are working here, and living here, it’s not that bad of a city. You did a number of illustrations as well about taxi experiences. Tell us a bit about that? Do you have any favourites? (Laughs) I don’t know, I guess I’d be biased if I said they were all my favourites. The thing about me and those posters is that it’s more about ‘entitlement’ and territorialism and how people behave in a certain space. There was the one, “Hello Nice” poster. A lot of people ask me about that one in particular, like, ‘why would you say that?’ I’m just at a point where I feel that men feel entitled to women’s bodies in spaces like that. Almost every day, there’s some kind of harassment that’s going on. Even if it’s not someone touching you, there’s someone throwing some kind of comment. So I felt that, we should take it at its core.

One that really stood out to me was the one with the labelled seats in the taxi, showing the typical seating arrangement in a taxi. People learned about the structure in the taxi from that poster. For you or me, it’s normal, but for some people it was a new thing they learned. IBarcoded personally found the series quite powerful Magazine

and enchanting at the same time. I found a few common themes within the work as well. What sort of response have you had since it all began? Most people enjoyed it. I opened it to submissions earlier in the year and a lot of people have wanted to be involved. The writers we included, I’ve found, are better at describing the city, more than other art forms. Writers as well, I feel, explore the city more and were able to translate that quite well. Right now, we’re working on setting up an exhibition too. Just touching on my previous question, do you think you’ve succeeded in changing perceptions about the city? A little bit. A lot of people are still sceptical about the city; we do have a long way to go though. What can we expect next from you? There are a few projects I’m working on, but I can’t give too much away right now obviously. Otherwise, you can keep up with what I’m up to via Facebook (Joburgmyhomeburg.)

By: Phumzile Twala

Creative chronicles

Spot on

ODD XPERIENC MUSIC GAME-CHANGERS Barcoded Magazine

With a name like Odd Xperienc, this duo is bound to draw attention to themselves. Fortunately for them, their claim to fame extends beyond this. With a signature sound and growing brand, they are taking the music scene by storm. This, coupled with an empowering set-up that engages young upcoming trendsetting musos, they are bound for even more success. Here they are telling us more about what comprises OddXperienc: BM: What was the inspiration behind the name OddXperienc? OX: The name OddXperienc is inspired by our reputation as we grew as a duo. I, Edwin Baloyi rebranded myself as Ed Iz Odd, from my reputation of having been called Eclectic-odd growing up. It is because I stood out as having created my own trends in music production and DJing. Kgomotso Ramahotswa Iz Odd came about as a result of having been on the music scene for many years and having been a crowd puller-DJ for just as many years. This gained me the reputation of being experienced in the music scene. So when we officially partnered up, we decided to bring the best of who we were, the Odd and The Experienced. As our brand grew, we had another inspired moment, with Bongani Dube who created our logo who suggested that we continue with being an odd brand by dropping the “e” from the beginning and the end of the word to get “Xperienc. BM: The genres of music you create aren’t very conventional. Tell us a bit about what defines ‘odd music’ andMagazine ‘broken beat?’ Barcoded

OX: Odd music is a fusion of contemporary African sounds and the off-beat trance. Broken beat is an electronic music genre that comes with staggered or punctuated snare beats and/or hand claps. It uses synthesizers, drum machines, sequencers, and samplers. These are sounds originally taken from Jazz, Soul, Funk, House and RnB. BM: The platforms you’ve created are for the benefit of upcoming artists. What exactly is the Odd Sub-culture and have the artists you’ve worked with embraced the platforms fully? OX: The OddXperienc sub-culture is a movement not for just any upcoming artists but it is a culture that embraces trend-setting artists. These are individuals who have created their own unique styles of music, be it in how they DJ or produce music. And these creatives are then given a platform to showcase their oddness, at the HOUSE REHAB SESSIONS. We know that the market needs more avenues for African youth to find and express their creative voice, while supported by others. The sessions are held every first Saturday of the month at Motswako Lounge in Midrand and are in partnership with DOWA, Audioarque Records and Retro Booiz. The artists have embraced the platforms by devotedly showcasing their art, each weekend since the conception of the movement. Several successes include our artists being scouted by promoters, record label owners and getting bookings as added benefits. BM: You’ve expressed your desire to create odd and timeless music. What inspires your production process? OX: Our music is created by allowing the emotions of the day to pour out. We aim to finish a song in the same

day that it is inspired because once the mood is lost, it is challenging to stay honest to the mood it was inspired from. Any other elements that get added to the track just enhance it with the odd music signature. BM: You’ve recorded your first EP, ‘Pound for Pound.’ Has the response from audiences been what you had hoped for? OX: The response from the audience has been beyond our anticipation. We got to know how much ‘Oddmusic’ is loved because our audiences have begged us to release an album. The EP got a lot of airplay on almost every radio station and we got featured on albums, such as: No Walls Just House - mixed by Lady PK & Stigga, with almost all of our Pound for Pound tracks being featured on it. And later on, 5 Years of Do It Now Recordings - mixed by 2Lani The Warrior. BM: The music scene is quite saturated. What makes OddXperienc unique from everyone else across the world? OX: We aim to fuse as many genres into our sound and just add our personalities to the mix. There will never be another Ed Iz Odd and Kaygee Iz Odd out there.

Do It Now Recordings and distributed by Soul Candi Records. It will available from all music stores and from us, personally. We are also carrying on with House Rehab Sessions and doing our national pre-album tour called #WeLoveOddXperienc. For people who would like to know our music better they may follow us on:  Website: http://www.oddxperience.co.za  Facebook Page: https://m.facebook.com/oddxpmusic  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/160757197381060/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/odd_xperienc  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oddxperienc  SoundCloud: http://m.soundcloud.com/oddxperience/ tracks  Traxsource: http://m.traxsource.com/artist/118400/ oddxperienc/ By: Phumzile Twala Images courtesy of: OddXperienc

BM: Who else would you like to collaborate with on upcoming projects and events? OX: We have intentions to collaborate with Pops Mohammed. BM: What’s next for OddXperienc? What can we expect from you this year? OX: We have our much awaited album, TIMELESS coming out before the end of the year. It will be released under

‘BIG BANG THEORY’ ACTOR SET TO PLAY ‘GOD’ ON BROADWAY Four-time Emmy Award winner and Big Bang Theory actor Jim Parsons is set to play ‘God’ on Broadway in the new comedy ‘An Act of God,’ at the historic Studio 54. The official opening will be on May 28th. The comedy is based on the book ‘The Last Testament: A Memoir by God’ transcribed by David Javerbaum, a 13time Emmy Award winner (as head writer and executive producer for ‘The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.’) Barcoded Magazine

‘God’ described ‘An Act of God’ as “A 90-minute conversation in which I will reveal the mysteries of the Bible and answer some of the greatest existential questions that plague mankind...I chose Jim to play Me because I relish the irony of telling the real story of the Six Days of Creation through the star of ‘The Big Bang Theory.’ Plus, he’s funny. The theatre was also chosen for ironic reasons, as Studio 54 - up to this point - has been the single most God-less place in the universe.” Tickets go on sale mid-February.

Theatre

FLEUR DU CAP AWARDS NOMINEES ANNOUNCED The 50th edition of the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards are set to be held at the Artscape Opera House on Sunday 15th March 2015. “Five decades ago the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards started with only six categories and 17 productions that were eligible,” said Melanie Burke, chairman of the adjudicating panel. She added that today awards are presented in 18 different categories and last year a total of 74 productions were eligible. In addition, 57 student performances were considered for the Most Promising Student Award. A unique event is planned to celebrate the successes of the past 50 years, including an entertainment line-up that will feature some of our top local artists. Here are some of the nominees: ROSALIE VAN DER GUCHT PRIZE FOR NEW DIRECTORS Khayalethu Mofu for The Champion Koleka Putuma for Uhm Louis Viljoen for The Kingmakers and The Pervert Laura Marí Borstlap for 2092: God van Klank Thando Doni for Passage

AWARD FOR MOST PROMISING STUDENT David Viviers (UCT) Dylan Owen (UCT) Nathan Lynn (UCT) Sive Gubangxa (UCT) Skye Russel (UCT) BEST NEW SOUTH AFRICAN SCRIPT 2092: God van Klank by Wilken Calitz A Human Being Died That Night by Nicholas Wright Death of a Colonialist by Greg Latter The Kingmakers by Louis Viljoen The Pervert Laura by Louis Viljoen BEST PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY Buhle Ngaba for Missing as Ayanda Jennifer Steyn for The Tragedy of King Richard III as Queen Elizabeth Kate Liquorish for The Tragedy of King Richard III as Lady Anne, 2nd Citizen and the Cardinal Kensiwe Tshabalala for Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike as Cassandra Lee-Ann van Rooi for Rondomskrik as various characters Tickets cost R200 per person via Computicket. Follow @FDCTheatreAward on Twitter 39

THE BAXTER THEATRE PRESENTS: BLUE/ORANGE Showing at The Baxter Theatre until 14 March 2015, Blue/Orange is a story about a young black man, Christopher, who displays signs of borderline schizophrenia when he claims to be the illegitimate son of Idi Amin, while insisting that oranges are blue. Despite this, Christopher is excited because his month of observation in a psychiatric unit is up and he should be going home. But his young psychiatrist (Bruce) and his mentor and supervisor (Robert) can’t agree on his diagnosis and whether sending him home is advisable. Christopher becomes the ball in a deadly match of power between the two white men. Dominic Cavendish writes: “The play treats a familiar theme – who’s mad and who’s sane? – with pulse-quickening insight and wit. It cuts to the heart of controversial questions about cultural assumptions and racial prejudice with surgical precision. Operating as a play of ideas, it unleashes raw emotion on all sides, exposing layers of male egotism and neurosis. Penhall’s drama … fits our unhinged times.”(The Telegraph,28 Sept 2012)

Directed by Clare Stopford and written by Joe Penhall, Blue/Orange stars Andrew Buckland as the domineering Robert, Nicholas Pauling as the keen young Bruce and Marty Kintu as Christopher.

Barcoded Magazine

Exhibitions

GRAMMY MUSEUM PRESENTS ALL EYEZ ON ME: THE WRITING OF TUPAC SHAKUR Coordinated by the Museum’s associate curator Nwaka Onwusa, the exhibit features artefacts from his career breakthrough with Digital Underground through his fame as a solo artist. In addition to Shakur’s handwritten notes, lyrics and poems, the various displays include a Versace suit he wore at the 38th annual Grammy Awards in 1996, interviews and performance footage, and the original tape box and studio notes from his first recording after his prison release. The Grammy Museum is the first music museum to focus squarely on Shakur’s creative legacy. Onwusa commented, “It’s about erasing pre-concluded notions that Tupac was just a gangsta or thug rapper. He was so much more than that: a poet, screenwriter, entrepreneur and a businessman.”

DESIGN INDABA EXPO: CLASS OF 2015 EMERGING ARTISTS

Kiara Grounder- fashion designer

Forty emerging creative have been selected for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Design Indaba Expo. They have been mentored by the Design Indaba team and will exhibit their work alongside some of the biggest contemporary artists.

Lukhanyo Mdingi- fashion designer

Some of the selected creative include: Ute Francke- jewellery designer Amanda van der Walt- designer and illustrator Carla Erasmus & Christa Botha (Bofred) - fine artists Lesedi MJ Mogale- photographer

Barcoded Magazine

Matthew Bradley- illustrator Rich Mnisi (OATH)- fashion designer Celeste Theron- performance artist Michelle Liao- jeweller The Expo takes place from 27 February to 1 March 2015 at the Cape Town ICC.

AFTER AFROPOLITAN After Afropolitan is a multimedia exhibition deconstructing contemporary African Diaspora experiences and probing the socio-economic, cultural and aesthetic equity of the Afropolitan identity. Presented by Caribbean Cultural Center (CCCADI), The Weeksville Heritage Center (Brooklyn New York) and afriPOP!, After Afropolitan is a month long exhibition, peering at new territories of experience, relevance, excellence and imagination in the contemporary global African Diaspora. The exhibition, which opened February 4th at the Weeksville Heritage Center includes work from the likes of Valerie Piraino, Danny Simmons, Awol Erizku, Nontsikelelo Mutiti, Simone Leigh and Delphine Diallo. The exhibition begins a conversation designed to examine contemporary African Diaspora experiences and probe our imaginations for the next iterations of genius.

What is Afropolitan? They (read: we) are Afropolitans- the newest generation

of African emigrants, coming soon or collected already at a law firm/ chem lab/jazz lounge near you. You’ll know us by our funny blend of London fashion, New York jargon, African ethics, and academic successes. Some of us are ethnic mixes, e.g. Ghanaian and Canadian, Nigerian and Swiss; others merely cultural mutts: American accent, European affect, African ethos- Taiye Selasi, March 2005. The After Afropolitan exhibition will attempt to unpack this term through ancillary programs including artist talks, performances and a conference, Redefining 2015: After Afropolitan. This will all take place on February 21st from 12-8pm. Special guest such as ‘Ghana Must Go’ author Taiye Selasi, musician and filmmaker Adesiji Awonyika and curator Janice Bond will lead attendees through performances, interactive workshops, and panel discussions- Chibok to Chimamanda: Gazing at Africa Womanhoods; The Aesthetics of Respect; Afropolitan Rich; Cotlan or Cellphones; Taxes or Tequila and more. Featured artists lead guided tours of the exhibition with special close readings of their own work on February 24th from 6-9pm.

Opportunities

Barcoded Magazine

Opportunities

GRANTS 2015 The Professional Development Programme funded by Nedbank Arts Affinity is designed to support the development of a reliable, sustainable and vibrant arts and culture sector in South Africa. The programme makes provision for support of activities that increase job opportunities for and develop sustainability of South African arts and culture organisations, associations, cooperatives, networks, individual artists and practitioners with various grants

Arts Administration

Arts and culture organisations, projects (cooperatives

Cycle 1: 2015 Closing date for applications: 30 March 2015 Outcome available: 06 May 2015

and collaborations) and individual artists as well as arts administrators and managers working in any one or a combination of the following disciplines are eligible to apply for once-off grants of up to R60,000: Literature Dance Music Visual Art Theatre Arts Education

New Media Multi-disciplinary (a combination of one or more of the above) These are the applicable funding cycles: Funding cycles

Cycle 2: 2015 Closing date for applications: 30 September 2015 Outcome available: 15 November 2015 Cycle 1: 2016 Closing date for applications: 31 March 2016 Outcome available: 06 May 2016 Cycle 2: 2016 Closing date for applications: 30 September 2016 Outcome available: 11 November 2016 For more details, visit: http://www.act.org.za/ development-grants Email: info@act.org.za

FLOATING REVERIE RESIDENCY PROGRAMME Held every month, once a month, for 2 weeks, the Floating Reverie Residency programme invites artists to join the research residency. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Artists are invited to respond online to the brief and produce or check in online every day for two weeks. Artists may respond in various ways, such as a final blog post, a Facebook page, an animation on YouTube or a separate website. The residency is unique because it isn’t location-specific and exists solely in the digital world. The residency program, //2Weeks, allows artists to produce a body of work within a specific and dedicated time frame using the online, digital medium. //2Weeks aims to cultivate, Barcoded Magazine

initiate and help develop a digital conversation across the city, country and the globe amongst artists, digital practitioners, thinkers, writers and makers.

Link to portfolio/artworks

Artists and creative are invited to respond in one of three ways:

b. Method of response (solo/ individual/existing FR artist)

Present a solo residency

c. If collaborative: • Selected artist • Plan for collaboration

A collaborative residency either in a single month or over a few months with a collaborator of your choosing A collaborative residency with an existing Floating Reverie residency artist, or in response to their residency To apply for the Floating Reverie //2weeks digital art residency applications can be sent to: floatingreverie@gmail.com. Please include the following information in a PDF document: Artist Biography

Residency Proposal a. Conceptual statement and idea

Floating Reverie will allocate a suitable month to the successful applicants. If you have a preference for any month in particular, please state so clearly with motivation and they will take it into consideration. Should an artist wish to apply for a specific month, the application closing date is two months ahead of the month applied for. For more information visit www. foatingreverie.co.za

WIRED CREATIVE FELLOWS WIRED is on the hunt for talented individuals who are leading the way in digital arts and culture. The fellowship is open to anyone in the industry, whether it’s fine art, game design, community theatre, protest, social media, new technology or any other idea of digital culture. No formal qualifications are needed, just a passion for your work and an idea for a piece of digital art or culture. The Fellow’s work will be shown on The Space and WIRED UK Online. They’ll also receive training and mentoring in addition. Successful proposals need to be original and inspiring. They should have the potential to have an impact politically, socially or artistically. Completed applications should be sent before midnight, London time, 1 March 2015. Visit www.thespace.org/creative-fellows for application procedures and formats.

CAN’T FOOL ME NOW EXHIBITION Contemporary South African artists Jana+Koos, Skullboy, Nina Torr, Dalene Victor Meyer, MJ Turpin, Justin Dingwall and Dale Lawrence are currently exhibiting their work in Berlin as part of an exhibition called ‘Can’t Fool Me Now.’ Curated by Maaike Bakker and Jayne CrawshayHall of ‘Curated by_Collective, Can’t Fool Me Now merges poetry, GIFS, formal text and image. The duo was driven to create the exhibition by the need to push the medium of ‘exhibition making’ further within a South African context. To do this, they set out to establish a platform where they could play with installation and hopefully inspire discussion in the way they select artists, hang work and market an exhibition. Both curators feel that curating, or exhibitionmaking is no longer just a matter of hanging the work, but rather a way of designing experiences. The exhibition is a platform to debunk international conceptions of what South African Art could be and showcase the type of eclectic energy that is represented in local art. Artists were provided with a composition of keywords and phrases, such as ‘un-tricked, ’being-in-the-know’ and ‘access to mute knowledge,’ in order to spark a response to the concept of the show. ‘Can’t Feel Me Now’ opened in Berlin on the 30th of January. Keep updated with the latest on the exhibition, by visiting www.curatedbycollective.com.

Barcoded Magazine

Ground up

ERNEST COLE PHOTOGRAPHIC AWARD The Ernest Cole Photographic Award offers a unique opportunity for photographers to complete an existing project. The winning photographer will receive R150 000 with which to complete the project, have an exhibition and publish a book thereof. Established to stimulate creative work in photography in South Africa, the Award is named after documentary photographer Ernest Cole. Emphasis will be on creative responses to South African society. Managed by UCT Libraries, the purpose of the Award is to support the realisation of a significant body of work that the photographer has been engaged with. It is open to anyone whose work focuses on South African society, with preference being given to people living within the country.

The closing date for applications is 12 June 2015

Here’s How You Can Get Involved:

4x5 inches resolution 300 dpi on a CD or DVD. Name the files with your First and Last names using an underscore to separate the names. At the end of the file name, add a sequence number starting with: 01. • Example: Ernest_Cole_01.jpg, Ernest_Cole_02.jpg, Ernest_ Cole_03.jpg CD preparation: • Place all your files in one folder. • Name the folder with your first and last names and use an underscore to separate your name and burn to CD or DVD.

Where to send your submission? Ernest Cole Award c/o Paul Weinberg UCT Libraries University of Cape Town Private Bag X3 Rondebosch 7701 South Africa

Applicants should submit the following: • A written proposal (3 pages maximum) that concisely and clearly explains the project; • A brief biography highlighting photographic experience and work done; • 20 to 40 images in support of the project for which the application is being made. These should be jpegs files

Need more information? For further information mail paul.weinberg@uct.ac.za or call 021 650 2089 - See more at: http://www.ernestcoleaward.uct.ac.za/ ernest-cole-award/submission-guidelines#sthash. uEA9eb2i.dpuf 49

Columnist

Barcoded Magazine

DECONSTRUCTING STEREOTYPES THE POWER OF WOMEN IN ART One way or the other we all have been told that this is a “man’s world,” a “dog- eat- dog world” and every person should know their place; but then sometimes you often wonder who made a place for whom and who created those rules. Well we know rules and order ensure that things get done and that is very important, but considering the relevance of these rules is also a highly worthy cause. To know Art is to know the inner self and always seeing the beauty all around you, it doesn’t matter how you depict it, what matters is displaying your inner thoughts to the world so they too can feel what you are feeling and embrace the feeling too. Looking at the world we live in today we can probably say a lot of things are done according to how a person views themself while others try to stick to the norms of how society depicts they should behave. Taking a look at the artistic way of life, I think it’s safe to say that in recent history, mostly men were considered to have the flair for art than women and this has brought so much influence in the way women are seen in society. This has often meant that women have merely been considered as just another house entity or even a trophy wife if their husbands have well earning jobs. Anyway, I believe that kind of thinking is out-dated- that was then and this is now- and looking at the environment now I can say the more artistic it is, you know a female is involved. One only has to look around and see the different types of roles many women play in keeping the arts alive. It is admirable just seeing them take that big leap of being in the game and not being afraid to lose. This brings us to our topic ‘deconstruction of stereotypes’. You have to agree things in the last years have changed. Lately we’re seeing more and more women moving into spaces which were once labelled ‘men only,’ getting in there and making it twice as great. One mistake that people shouldn’t make is underestimating the power of a goal oriented mind- it sees all things possible. More females are venturing into showing their artistic side whether through fashion, drama, song, dance or even painting- they are proving that it’s possible. But then with every good thing there comes a critic that can break you away slowly. Many of our women lack the

confidence they need in order to make it in life because they do not want to overstep boundaries or scare some men away who will see them as too powerful to handle. While there are men who are afraid of women who are successful and independent, often wanting them to bow down to them while they do all the big decisions and run the show, nowadays women have dropped the stereotype which sees them as weak and emotional. They now break through barriers and stand at the centre-stage to show what they are made of. There are many of ladies who have made this world of art and entertainment dynamic and thought-provoking. We can look at the likes of Basetsana Kumalo, Carol Manana, Connie Ferguson, and Gcina Mhlophe who have been the greatest storytellers by moving audiences through art and creativity as well as proving that it is not a man’s world after all. There are still many more rising stars that go on to show that ultimately, art was made for the young at heart. More and more women feel important and worthy when they are empowered and given the platform to prove what they are capable of and that is something which is not being done often in our societies. Older people still judge people looking based on the stereotypes which have been instilled in their mind-sets and when they see the differences of today they feel there is a lot of dysfunction happening. Whatever happens our women are strong, bold and full of life and truth is, nobody tells a story like a woman who has been through it all. It is important to keep embracing the changes women bring through art. Supporting the creative dynamism they bring to the industry can foster more confidence in the young ‘girl child’ inspired by these creative powerhouses. They too can continue to build a legacy of awe-inspiring art and creativity.

By: Phumi Nyalungu 51

Barcoded Magazine

Pure art

Barcoded Magazine

Pure art news

HIGH FASHION MEETS SNEAKER COUTURE The line between sneaker culture and high-end fashion is becoming increasingly blurred. A prime example is Alexander Wang’s SS2015 line which featured wearables that were inspired by notable sneakers including Air Jordans and Stan Smiths.

The pieces borrow from signature design elements from the sneaker world, like the panelling from Air Jordan Retros. In celebration of the launch of Wang’s collection as well as a clever display in celebration of sneaker

culture, an installation was exhibited at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City’s Fifth Avenue. Wang commented that the theme, “is centred around the bedroom of a sneakerhead.”

RUSSIAN DESIGNER CREATES PIZZA CONDOM WRAPPERS Russian designer Marina Malygina has designed a condom wrapper that resembles a slice of pepperoni pizza, which comes fully packaged in a tiny box labelled “Seriax.” Inspired by the episode if hit American sitcom “Friends” in which Joey struggles to decide between pizza and sex, Malygina apparently thought, “Why not both?” The designer explains, “Pizza and sex are important part of American culture…that’s why this limited condom package will be interesting for most young people, not only Friends fans.”

TWADIO SHOW The Twadio Show is a Twitter based radio show which creates unique, direct and innovative ways of advertising of Social Media for companies. Structured just like a radio show, there is a presenter who hosts the show, controlling every discussion, Barcoded Magazine

competition and feature throughout the show. At the top of every hour, there is a news bulletin of 5 local and international news stories. The show also includes features on allocated days of the week, and advertising every quarter hour. Twadio Show is popular due to its

ability to help people find jobs and also encourage job creation. It gives people a platform to rave about exciting people, products or services. It also highlights South African citizens who are making a difference in their communities. Catch up with Twadio Show on Twitter by following @Twadioshow.

DESIGN INDABA: MOST BEAUTIFUL OBJECT IN SOUTH AFRICA (MBOISA) This annual competition and exhibition is presented at the Design Indaba Expo. A panel of experts including acclaimed photographer Zanele Muholi and Mike van Graan from the African Arts Institute- were asked to nominate what they deem to be the most beautiful object in the country. The 12 MBOISA finalists’ work will be exhibited at the prestigious Design Indaba Expo. This year’s event will be taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 27 February to 1 March 2015. Ultimately, the public gets to decide which object is the overall winner. Voting will be online. Here are the nominees:

2DO Stackable Storage Tower A collaboration between De Steyl + Renee Rossouw Studio Furniture design studio, the stackable storage boxes come with drawers for the home/office/studio and can be used on a desktop or as freestanding furniture.

The Boomslang Inspired by a snake skeleton and nicknamed “The Boomslang,” this low maintenance and low impact design is a curved steel and timber walkway.

The Boran Bull Ntombephi Ntobela is the master beader behind this work. Inspired by an encounter with a Boran bull on a farm in Winterton, she created the work by meticulously sewing each bead on.

Political Berets The battle of the red berets (each emblazoned with political party logos) has influenced the SA political landscape. Nominated by Chester Missing, South Africa’s puppet political analyst, he says, “I support the way people mobilise design to their own political ends.”

Explora Satellite Decoder Tony Shapshak, editor and publisher of Stuff magazine nominated it and lauded it for its software, which is “a leap ahead. World-class. This nextgeneration PVR decoder from DSTV is manufactured and assembled locally.”

Silk Organza and leather Floral Dress Lucilla Booyzen, director of South African Fashion Week nominated this piece and commented, “The workmanship on this unique handsewn luxury garment is excellent.” By ERRET, it was inspired by the offcuts from the brand’s leather jackets. Combining technology with handcrafted techniques, the back features laser-cut leather and the rest of the dress is made up of hundreds of leather circles in various sizes handstitched into a floral-like motif.

Flag Prophecy Dynamic illustrator Thandiwe Tshabalala created this artwork, after being inspired by the way in which the election results in 2014 seemed to fulfil the prophecy laid out on the national flag of S.A.

Made from recycled plastic shopping bags, the design is nifty, eco-friendly and durable. The added solar panel is a renewable light source that charges during the child’s walk to school and becomes a handy solar lantern for studying. It lasts up to 12 hours.

Milk Mohair and Wool Fetted Cape This cape was designed to demonstrate the beauty and purity of using all natural and local resources in a truly sustainable way. Only water and soap are used to create the traditional felt.

Kitale Drinks Cabinet This piece by Tonic Tonic has a lacquered red exterior and a wooden interior. Sunday Times Fashion Weekly Editor Tiaan Nagel nominated this piece, and has commented, “I’m obsessed with the gentle geometry of this beautiful cabinet in deep rich lacquered red.”

Centre Point: Dancing Ballerina Created by sculptor Llewellyn Davies, this piece was nominated by actress, TV presenter and dancer Lalla Hirayama. “I chose this piece as it resonates with me, an old ballet dancer. With an air of innocence and a slightly unrefined style, she stands en pointe in all her glory,” she says.

Votes can be cast at: www. designindaba.com

Haywire Chandelier The chandelier is handmade from solid timber. Each arm swivels 360 degrees independently to achieve various configurations. Nominated by TV presenter, actor, creative consultant and entrepreneur Masego “Maps” Maponyane, he says, “its craftsmanship, ingenuity, sustainability and meaning make it beautiful.”

Repurpose Schoolbag 57

Barcoded Magazine

Artist focus

CARBON COPY- CHALLENGING TWIN MISCONCEPTIONS Noncedo and Nonzuzo Gxekwa are twin sisters who have used their passion for photography to create a project designed to explore the fascination about twins. Their love for photography goes all the way back to when they began experimenting with a camera passed down to them by their mother years ago. Titled ‘Carbon Copy,’ the collaborative project sees the twins turning the camera on themselves and hopefully other twins in the near future, in an effort to put some spotlight on similarities and differences. Images feature the sisters dressed in some of their favourite clothes in juxtaposing positions. Illuminating inspiration behind the project, they say: “For as long as we can remember people have always been fascinated about twins…It made you feel like there was something mystical about being a twin. With this project we want to explore the lives of other twins, their stories of what makes them individuals, of what it is like to have a person you are tied to for life since birth and hopefully break down any misconceptions about twins.” Commenting on what they’d like people to know about twins, they say: Nonzuzo:”Being compared to each other is not cool. And now I get the whole fascination about twins...because that’s how I get when I see other twins…especially when you can’t tell them apart…lol” Noncedo:”Twins are like everybody else. They are more special because they have a partner for life.” Carbon Copy hopes to expose their similarities and nuance their individual artistic personalities. Check out Carbon Copy here: www.carboncopytwin.tumblr.com

Barcoded Magazine

Pure art series

TOP 5

CREATIVE CONFERENCES TO ATTEND IN 2015 Barcoded Magazine

#1 DESIGN INDABA 2015 Set to be held from 25-28 February 2015 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, this prestigious event is a celebration of quality design, art and creative enterprises. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speakers include the likes of Yoni Bloch, Sindiso Khumalo, Dominic Wilcox, Joe Public, Selly Raby Kane and Rosita Missoni. The highly acclaimed and much-anticipated event presents a multi-disciplinary experience, including a conference, simulcast, an expo, film festival and music fair. What delegates can look forward to: Thought leaders and design gurus will talk productively about their achievements and processes. There will be a live simulcast broadcast in different locations in South Africa. For the first time, teachers are invited to broaden their horizons and further their knowledge about creative learning by attending this complimentary session. The Design Indaba Music Circuit provides the soundtrack to the three-day conference. The 3-day long Expo gives candidates from the Emerging Creatives Programme, an initiative that provides exceptionally talented young creatives the opportunity to break into the industry, a platform to introduce their work to international buyers. Visit www. Designindaba.com image by : www.designindaba.com

#2 ACT/ UJ ARTS & CULTURE CONFERENCE Held from 8 to 10 March 2015 at the University of Johannesburg, the conference aims to provide a forum for developing and inspiring the creative community. It will showcase new ways of cultivating business ideas in a contemporary South Africa. Themed â&#x20AC;&#x153;CREATIVES MAKE IT HAPPENâ&#x20AC;?, the conference will facilitate an exchange of knowledge, experience, opportunities and practical advice, from entrepreneurs, manufacturers, policy makers and implementers, in addition to representatives of the advertising, film and design industries. The sessions will be presented by dynamic thought and industry leaders. A Conversations Series, featuring creative powerhouses will be held before and after the conference. Visit www.act.org.za to Register.

Barcoded Magazine

#3 BACK TO THE CITY HIP HOP SUMMIT Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown will once again come alive this Freedom Day (27 April). The annual Back to the City Hip Hop Festival will bring the biggest acts on stage and provide a platform for emerging artists. Forming part of this festival is the Hip Hop Summit, held at Museum Africa. This summit is an ideal platform for the exchange of ideas, experiences and expertise within the Hip Hop industry. Some of the most successful industry players form part of the panel and address issues affecting musicians. Discussions revolve around topics such as music publishing, radio airplay, networking, transformations within the industry, etc. The Summit is held before the commencement of the main event and entrance is Free.

Visit www.backtothecityfestival.com

#4 HELLO AMBASSADOR CREATIVE CONFERENCE This 2-day creative conference is now in its third year of existence. Featuring innovative Talks, workshops, design awards, a creative expo, after party and a street festival, it is fastbecoming a staple item on the creative calendar in South Africa. Formidable and ingenious creative minds converge in the Capital City for ideal networking opportunities and use of a platform to inspire and educate young creative and students. Speakers engage with audiences and present industry trends and some of the most admirable success stories. Held in Pretoria, at the State Theatre, the conference is a highly exciting and dynamic platform for some of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading creative minds.

Visit: www.helloambassador.co.za

Barcoded Magazine

#5 FAK’UGESI DIGITAL ART CONFERENCE With the inaugural event held in 2014, the Fak’ugesi Digital Art Festival is a fresh, exciting addition to the South African Arts line-up. The Conference is part of this growing brand and includes dynamic speakers, while focusing on technology, art and culture. The conference is aimed at creating a platform for research on technology, art and culture in Africa. It is the aim of Fak’ugesi to present local and international research where technology as a convergent form intersects with socioculture, development and creative practices. The Fak’ugesi Digital Art Conference is held at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg and surrounding locations in the Braamfontein area.

Visit: www.wits.ac.za

Pure art report series

Barcoded Magazine

LEFT OR RIGHT-SIDED? ARE ARTIST’S BRAINS REALLY WIRED A CERTAIN WAY? Chances are you’ve come across a quiz or two which gives you the option of discovering which side of your brain is more dominant. Chances are you’ve also come across one or two quizzes which claim that artists are more right-brain dominant. For a long time, people have been exposed to claims that with left-brain or right-brain dominance, each side of the brain controls different types of thinking. The theory is based on what is known as the lateralization of brain function. Although many people describe themselves as either “left-brained” or “right-brained,” recent research has indicated that this theory is nothing more than a myth. According to this theory, the right side of the brain is best at expressive and creative tasks, while the left side of the brain is considered to be adept at tasks that involve logic, language and analytical thinking. Even though popular culture has perpetuated this notion for a long time, recent studies have found no evidence of preferential brain use. In other words, research has conclusively debunked this theory. Recent research has indicated that abilities in subjects such as mathematics are actually strongest when both halves of the brain work together. Lead author in a study at the University of Utah, Dr Jeff Anderson, and director of the MRI Neurosurgical Mapping Service at the University has said: “There is a misconception that everything to do with being analytical is confined to one side of the brain and everything to do with being creative is confined to the opposite side. In fact, it is the connections among all brain regions that enable humans to engage in both creativity and analytical thinking.” Anderson also says, “Creativity is no more processed in the right hemisphere than the left.” Popular culture will have you believe that the right hemisphere of the brain houses functions that make individuals with this preference more creative, spontaneous and subjective, while people who use the left side of their brain are more logical, detailoriented and analytical. The confusion may lie in the fact that some brain functions occur in one or other side of the brain. For example, according to Anderson, “language tends to be on the left and attention more on the right.” In essence, the myth gained traction following the work of Nobel-Prize-winning neuropsychologists Robert Sperry and Michael Gazzaniga. Anderson however concludes that,” The neuroscience community has never accepted the idea of ‘left dominant’ personality types. Lesion studies don’t support it and the truth is that it would be highly inefficient for one half of the brain to be more active than the other.” The word ‘art’ comes from the Latin word ‘artem’ or ‘ars,’ meaning: skill as a result of learning or practice. With this revelation, it seems as if society will have to learn the art of truly thinking differently. By: Phumzile Twala

Multimedia

Barcoded Magazine

Multimedia

LUIS QUILES- CANDILY ILLUSTRATING SOCIAL ILLS Spanish artist Luis Quiles’ work is renowned for its raw, blunt confrontation of social ills. Tackling touchy topics like sexism, exploitation, violence and homophobia through illustrations is Quiles’ specialty. The art work often revolves around controversial topics which people don’t like to discuss, let alone admit. Often described as unsettling, his work provides a direct look at some of society’s creations, through an unfiltered lens. In one illustration, he brings attention to how the idea of homophobia killed one of the Teletubbies. (This particular one based on a wild rumour some years back that one of the kiddies show characters was gay.) In another, a little girl is asked to describe what religion is and her answer is a chilling but fairly accurate description of the combination of male power and religion (symbolized by a cross) equal to the elimination of females. Another further illustrates Quiles’ simple yet frank commentary. In it, a young girl child points to her genitalia and shows a young fascinated boy looking on. The speech bubble contains the words: “With this I’m going to control your life.” Quiles captures the dark sides of modern society, which often irks some people. Regardless of varying reactions, his work gives society a reality check and serves as a reminder of the active role everyone has to play in improving societal values.

Barcoded Magazine

check out our online version today! www.barcodedmag.co.za/magazine

Barcoded Magazine

Thank you for reading