SYLVAN a solo exhibition by David Griessel at Art@Africa Gallery reflects a visual presentation of a lifelong obsession with trees.
“Since I was little I have been captivated by the labyrinthine constellations of tree canopies around me. This fascination has never led to a scientific study of trees and plant life, but rather an aesthetic and almost spiritual appreciation. As an artists who works within the realm of the fantastical, I have taken imaginary liberties with my depiction of the natural world. The species of fynbos and trees showed in this exhibition really exist (you can see them all in Kirstenbosch) but I have blurred the lines between humanity and the kingdom of plants.
Forests and plant life have always held an important place in humanity’s psyche and this can be seen in the way arboreal themes are featured in religions and myths dating back to archaic civilisations. Many cultures (especially early ‘pagan’ religions) included tree inspired motifs and symbols in their liturgical practices and texts. The figure of the earth mother, Gaia is also a recurring figure in legends, myths and religions and worship of this deity pre-dates the great monotheisms. Contemporary fascination with trees and nature is also prominently manifested in Jungian psychoanalytic practise, where holistic well-being is often allegorised in a tree diagram. These examples are mere pinpricks in the rich history of tree-culture and my exhibition taps into this rich past which can act as a source of limitless creative inspiration.
“We have the pleasure to invite you to the launch of the Solo Exhibition by David Griessel on Wednesday 9 and Thursday October 10 at 6 pm and an ArtWalk on Saturday 12 at 11 am
in our Art@Africa Gallery in The Clocktower Centre – V&A Waterfront – Cape Town.”
- RSVP for Wednesday 9 E Wednesday@artatafrica.art and RSVP for Thursday 10 E Thursday@artatafrica.art
- RSVP for Saturday ArtWalk E artwalk@artatafrica.art
“We look forward to see you and your friends at this exceptional art experience !!! See David’s new works here.”
WHAT: David Griessel – Sylvan
WHERE: Art@Africa, 1st Floor, Clocktower Centre, Silo Distrcict. V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001
WHEN: Launch on Wednesday 9 and Thursday Oct 10 at 6 pm – RSVP rsvp for Wednesday 9 E Wednesday@artatafrica.art or Thursday E Thursday@artatafrica.art
INFO: E artatafricafestival@gmail.com | VISIT
Art@Africa [06]The WHAT, WHY & WHERE of the
arts scene in around Cape Town
see the 2023 art craft + museums_map
and listen in to the
Arts Round Up Fridays @17:30
on Fine Music Radio FMR 101.3fm
The FMR App makes it even easier to tune into the Arts Round Up on Fridays! i-Phone HERE | Android HERE
