Two invitations: a talk – Themes: “Transform”, with Igshaan Adams and Derek Gripper and a visit to a Frank Spears exhibition at Mullers Optometrists, the Art-Deco gem he designed. The invitations to the talk and walkabout are from the Friends of Iziko South African National Gallery.
“Themes” Series – Igshaan Adams and Derek Gripper
“Themes” is a series looking at some of the broad concepts that drive creativity, across the disciplines – visual arts, music, performance, architecture and design. For each concept, two creatives are invited to consider how a particular theme informs their work.
The first of the series looks at “transformation” with visual artist Igshaan Adams and musician Derek Gripper. Whist transformation is fundamental to making original work it is not always possible for an audience to observe the change. The work of the two speakers provides this opportunity as it could be said that their work is about transformation.
Igshaan Adams, recipient of the Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year award 2018, is best known for his tapestries woven using beads, string and other materials some of which are found. The Islamic prayer mat may have been a source of reference and though still visibly discernible, the art work is the artistic journey Adams takes to make the work, reflecting upon his experiences of racial, religious and sexual liminality.
Derek Gripper, whilst Cape Town-based, is rarely at home for he’s more often found performing and lecturing around the world. Gripper’s projects include scoring West African kora (a string instrument) music and Bach’s solo violin compositions for classical guitar. His scoring is no mere transcription, instead we simultaneously hear the original and the new, and in this way, the flux between the different cultures and eras.
Friends – Themes: “Transform”, with Igshaan Adams and Derek Gripper; part of the Themes in creativity series. More info about the artists, click here
WHEN: Wednesday 14th March at 6pm to 8pm including drinks
WHERE: Iziko South African Museum, TH Barry Theatre, Company’s Gardens, CBD, Cape Town
TICKETS: R100 for members; R120 for non-members; R50 for student non-members; R20 for student members. Reservationthrough SANGFriends@Iziko.org.za or (021)481 3951
Frank Spears exhibition at Mullers Optometrists
Visit, the Frank Spears exhibition with walkabout by Rosalind Spears and introduction to Mullers Art Deco building by Dr Andre van Graan.
Frank Spears, Blues & Yellows
Artist, designer, actor, and general creative polymath Frank Spears (1906-1991, UK/SA) lived with Rosalind and Johnny Spears in the U.K. for the last 20 years of his life. Rosalind, his daughter-in-law, had a passion for his work and has ensured that all aspects of it are preserved and made accessible to South African art lovers.
From 1928 to 1970, during his active life in Cape Town, he designed the shop front and furnishings for Mullers Optometrists in 1935 and thus it is appropriate that the exhibition is installed in this gem of an Art Deco building, lovingly preserved by the Muller family.
Exhibits on loan include works from all periods of Frank’s life. The walkabout by Rosalind will include an interview of Frank by Esme Berman and recordings of Frank reciting poetry, some written by his wife, the poet Dorothea Spears.
Dr Andre van Graan is a member of the board of Cape Town Heritage Trust. He has a doctorate from the University of Cape Town; his doctoral thesis, ‘Negotiating Modernism in Cape Town 1918-1948’ examined changes that occurred in the architecture of Cape Town in the inter-war period. The visit includes an introduction to the architecture and history of the building and the Muller’s Museum of Optometry .
The book, “Frank Spears the Painter” by Melissa Sutherland with introduction by Hayden Proud will be also be available for purchase.
WHEN: Thursday 15 March 2018 t 6.00 – 8.00p.m.
WHERE: Mullers Gallery, 1st Floor, Mullers Optometry Building, 104 Longmarket Street, CBD Cape Town 8001
TICKETS: R200 for members; R220 for non-members. Ticket price includes wine and canapes. Maximum 25.
