The Rose and the Thorn

The juxtaposition between two artists sharing an exhibition may never have been greater than that of Jacqui van Vuuren and Chris Johnston. The ceramicist and photographer, long-time friends and both exhibiting for the first time since 2018, are set to present new work at BELLHAUS Atelier & Galerie from 18 July until 10 August 2024.

Striking an uncanny balance between the artists’ personalities and their contrasting mediums, DELICATE THORNS proposes two equally interesting outlooks on existence. Jacqui’s gentle, feminine energy mirrors the delicate nature of her ceramics, while Chris’ unapologetic, practical nature is tangible like thorns through his photographs. In the exhibition, viewers can expect parallel cases made for the glass-half-full and glasshalf-empty perspectives, both valid in their own right in our day and age.

Inspired by recent travels to the Netherlands and UK, Jacqui sought to create a collection of functional ceramic pieces for the DELICATE THORNS exhibition. Through pondering the flower and colour combinations of botanical gardens, antiques and Delft porcelain in museums, the delicate palette and abstract proportions of her tea pots, bowls and jugs came to fruition. Jacqui’s creative process happens largely in the delicate space of the mind, where she loads inspiration, ideas and possible execution. When it comes to making, over 30 years of pottery craftsmanship leads her hands effortlessly. Another delicate process happens in the kiln, where the outcome could be hardened to last a lifetime, or contrastingly, the ceramics could be shattered. The artist also ventured into jewellery making for the DELICATE THORNS exhibition, examining the impermanence of the orchid flower, crafted into a medium of lifelong permanence.

Her message to the viewer is not to wait for a special occasion to give flowers or bring out a special piece of crockery. Life is far too fleeting and delicate.

As a photographer, Chris seeks to capture the controversial, much like a thorn in your side, eliciting real and raw emotion from viewers. Abducted by Aliens, which shows a pair of abandoned flip-flops, and iPad, a literal depiction of an eye on a menstrual pad, are just two examples of the variety of his viewfinder perspectives. Chris desires to address the notion that, collectively, we steer away from facing adversity. “I go straight at you,” says Chris, just like the sharp point of a thorn does. The photographer aims to slow the viewer down, to let them spend time with the feelings stirred by his artworks. Whether they evoke anger, frustration or pure amusement, Chris reasons that confronting these emotions is the cornerstone to collective growth.

Chris pays a lot of attention to not only capturing the images, but also printing and framing them. Ever the perfectionist, he says, “If it isn’t right, I rip it up and do it again.” Very much like a thorn takes its time to become a means of protection or destruction, so does Chris labour to produce thought-provoking images.

BELLHAUS Atelier & Galerie is excited to bring these two artists together, showcasing the harmonious yet contrasting worlds of Jacqui van Vuuren’s delicate ceramics and Chris Johnston’s provocative photographs – the rose and the thorn. As you navigate the exhibition, consider how these dualities reflect our own existence.

DELICATE THORNS opened at BELLHAUS Atelier & Galerie on 18 July and runs until 10 August 2024.

Gallery opening times: Monday - Saturday from 9:00 to 12:30, Monday - Friday from 14:00 to 17:30. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Charene Labuschagne