In partnership with Dulux and in celebration of World Design Capital 2014, The AVA Gallery has enlisted the help of Cameron Platter to transform the gallery facade into a work of contemporary art.
Cameron Platter has been one of the most dominant figures in the South African art scene of the last 10 years. Born in 1978, Platter graduated from the Michaelis School of Fine Art in 2001. After a short period training in restaurant kitchens, Platter has gone of record to say that he turned back to art because ‘it had to be easier than that.’ During the early 2000s he became one of the founding members of the Flash Art group – a group that included other famous names such as Dan Halter and Ed Young.
Then there are 2 exhibition openings tonight – Monday 12 May.
Sydelle Willow Smith – Soft Walls seeks to deal with convivial relationships between migrated African nationals and South Africans; revealing the subtle ways in which individuals make sense of their experiences; forming relationships and bonds that can challenge dominant perceptions wherein difference is celebrated and prejudices towards “foreign” Africans are perpetuated.
Sydelle Willow Smith
With migrants settling in, marrying, developing friendships and building homes with South Africans, the question of identity and belonging has become central. While immigrant integration has fairly engaged and transformed South African communities, the process has not, necessarily, led to cohesive communities. This has, in turn, led to the perceived walls or restrictions and unfavourable relationship issues.
Smith’s Soft Walls figuratively investigates the subtle ways in which African nationals and South Africans, in relationships, make sense of their space, experiences and complexities.
Sydelle Willow Smith is the first recipient of the Gisèle Wulfsohn Mentorship in Photography. Market Photo Workshop in association with the family of the late Gisèle Wulfsohn in 2012 established the mentorship. The mentorship is set out as a developmental mentorship; and is seen as an opportunity to continue Gisèle Wulfsohn’s approach and interests in photography. Smith was mentored by Dave Southwood.
Anya Adendorff – Human Zoo draws from her experience of architecture. Human Zoo represents her view of the urban masses and their seemingly pointless en devours on the backdrop of a greedy and rushed city. With a frenzied over-crowding of the canvas, Adendorff makes subtle references to society’s manic over-consumption and wastage.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Cape Town in 1996, Adendorff established and worked with various design studios until deciding to pursue art full-time in 2006. After numerous group exhibitions, Human Zoo is Adendorff’s first solo show.
WHEN: Monday, 12 May 2014, 6pm and on show till Thursday, 5 June 2014
WHERE: The AVA Gallery 35 Church Street, Cape Town, 8001
INFO: E: info@ava.co.za T: 021 424 7436 C: 082 852 3878
