The Stern Exchange is a collaboration between lens-based artist Lien Botha and ceramic artist Clementina van der Walt and will also form part of the Sixth Cape Town Month of Photography.
Whilst the artists will each independently be investigating aspects of the Irma Stern Museum and reflecting these in separate bodies of work in their respective mediums, the original idea was to present something along the lines of the Grayson Perry installations in the British Museum – The Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman – in 2011/12.
Botha, besides exhibiting work from two existing portfolios called Moundou (2008) and Plant Press (2009), also created a unique set of eight photographic prints, featuring staff of the Irma Stern Museum and which can best be described as an idiosyncratic insertion into the raison d’être of this venerated building.
Van der Walt will show ceramic works which embrace both the utilitarian and contemplative aspects of the ceramic discipline. Much of the style and methods of working have been inspired by experiencing two parallel lives – an urban life in the City of Cape Town and a rural life on a farm outside Calitzdorp in the Klein Karoo where she spends many weeks of the year.
Her intention is to ‘seek the sacred in the ordinary’; “I endeavour to make contemplative objects which have a utilitarian dimension. My aesthetic inspiration is drawn from the patterns, colours, light and textures in the urban and natural African landscape.”
Finally, the interplay between ceramic work and photographic prints will be tied together with furniture – supplied and coordinated by Ebony Design.
WHAT: The Stern Exchange: Clementina van der Walt/ Lien Botha
WHERE: Irma Stern Museum, Cecil Road, Rosebank, Cape Town 7700
WHEN: October 4th- 25th, 2014
NOTE:
*Esteemed academic and Art Historian, Professor Michael Godby will open the exhibition on Sat 4 October.
*There will be a walkabout on Wednesday 15 October with Irma Stern lucky packets available for sale.
