AROUND THE BEND

It’s hard to see the forest from the trees. When we focus too much on the details, the bigger picture becomes blurred. This is precisely why curator Andrea Behnsen decided to look beyond the forest (or around the bend) to find the five artists who feature in the next group exhibition at BELLHAUS Atelier & Galerie.

Around the Bend is an inquiry into often overlooked mediums of art, while at the same time exploring the larger artistic landscape of Namibia by decentralising local art beyond our capital city. The curator pursued pioneer work, scouring her sources for more unconventional mediums like paper mache, lighting and jewellery. In turn, Andrea discovered artists from Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, who have been doing their very own pioneer work in venturing beyond the confines of conventional fine art.

Central to this exhibition is a pursuit to make art, in its various forms, more accessible to the layman. This is in line with the BELLHAUS vision, as the gallery strives to expose local art lovers to practical and more affordable pieces, because art does not have to be a rich man’s sport.

The work of Melody Rohlfs, known as XAMMI Namibia, delves deeper into the themes of the exhibition with her ceramic sculptures and vases, following fluid forms, tangible texture and minimalist design. Their inspiration seeks to uncover the intricacies of existence by highlighting life-giving wombs, the mountain scapes that flash by on a gravel road, and the primordial practices of pottery.

Chris Snyman’s contribution to the exhibition, a collection of oil paintings on canvas and board, explores what lies on the outskirts of human imagination. For this exhibition, Chris is showcasing various themes, including distance, isolation and the multifaceted nature of relationships. Every artwork is contrastingly different from the one before, promising intrigue and a yearning for self-discovery, as intended by the artist.

Elze Eigelaar is a jewellery designer working with precious metals and stones, following the material and process to its inevitable destiny. Since metal is challenging to mould and shape, Elze says, “The pieces rarely end up looking like my initial ideas or expectations. I like that.” For this exhibition, the artist played with silver and brass, crafting clean finishes and simple designs ranging from earrings, necklaces and a show-stopping ring.

Spatial design enters the exhibit with Amanda du Preez who in collaboration with Stewart Tawanda Zveushe created unique lighting installations. Organically inspired materials like raffia, hessian and linen are employed in the interior-design creations, a testament to their shared passion for natural products like leaves, flowers and branches. Venturing beyond the bend is driven by synchronised ideas and inspiration. The closer you look, the more nature reveals itself.

Spatial design enters the exhibit with Amanda du Preez who in collaboration with Stewart Tawanda Zveushe created unique lighting installations. Organically inspired materials like raffia, hessian and linen are employed in the interior-design creations, a testament to their shared passion for natural products like leaves, flowers and branches. Venturing beyond the bend is driven by synchronised ideas and inspiration. The closer you look, the more nature reveals itself.

Bernette Louw expresses her creativity through recycled paper by means of paper mache. The artist is showcasing the pinnacle of play with delicate and detailed sculptures crafted from an overlooked waste material. What drives Bernette’s curiosity are the learning and discoveries that happen rather spontaneously along the way of creating.

Around the Bend runs until 19 August 2023.