Justine Mahoney has a solo exhibition VIGIL at Southern Guild and she talks us through her series of striking paintings and ceramic sculptures that are currently on view.
Listen to the Sanlam Arts Round Up on Fine Music Radio FMR 101.3fm on Fridays at 17h30
Justine explains how the work evolved during the COVID pandemic when she started meditating and getting into her subconscious. Her drawings and paintings reflected her journey into her inner self. Working on this exhibition, her paintings evolved from what she refers to as her active imagination. The works on show in VIGIL are strong. The ceramics are still living directly in her dreamlike state.
Her paintings are more iconic and she refers to them as modern hieroglyphics. The paintings were conceived of in sets of 3,which she worked on together. She would move on to another group and often moved between groups as they evolved and informed each other.
The end result is a powerful series of paintings and more poignant ceramic sculptures that makes up this collection of work. Justine has done a walkabout and hopefully we will be able to report on another before the exhibition closes at the end of May.
Justine then tells us about the work of Rich Mnisi, which is also showing at Southern Guild. Titled Dzuvula, which means Shedding Skin, the work focuses on collectable design – strong work that also is inspired by the subconscious. In this instance, Rich is very connected to his ancestry and in particular to the dream life of his mother. Snakes and the underworld inform his work. These practical pieces of furniture are made from bronze, fabric, stone and a huge variety of materials.
Both exhibitions might be inspired by the subconscious, yet both Justine and Rich translate this meditative state into powerful bodies of work that demands your attention.
Two excellent reasons for heading to Southern Guild in the Silo District at the V&A Waterfront!
WHAT: Justine Mahoney on Sanlam Arts Round Up
WHERE: Southern Guild, Silo 5, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 8001
WHEN: to end May 2024
INFO: T +27 21 461 2856 | E southernguild@theguildgroup.co.za | VISIT |  See also Justine Mahoney: VIGIL | Rich Mnisi: Dzuvula (Shedding Skin)Â
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