|
|
|
|
|
|
ART EXHIBIT
Tales From the Mantelpiece
Venue: Bell Roberts Gallery, 176 Sir Lowry Rd,
Woodstock. Tel: (021) 465 9108
Gallery Hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5:30pm, Sat: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Duration: 16 Apr - 16 May 2009
|
|
‘Tales from the Mantelpiece’ is an exhibition of small-scale
sculpture by three contemporary artist jewellers based in Johannesburg –
Philippe Bousquet, Geraldine Fenn and Marchand van Tonder. Sharing a
common interest in found objects gleaned from antiques markets and junk
shops, and fueled by a desire to produce more challenging conceptual work,
the three have come together to collaborate on this exhibition, ‘Tales
from the Mantlepiece’.
By using traditional jewellery and metalworking techniques,
as well as more postmodern art making strategies of collage and
assemblage, the artists have produced a body of work that is both
aesthetically strong and conceptually engaged.
|
article continues below
|
|
|
All the works are strongly narrative, and there are many
diverse tales being told. Philippe Bousquet, originally an architect, has
been making contemporary jewellery for the past ten years. His work for
this show makes strong use of vintage found objects, with the idea of
family identity and ancestors connecting the artworks.
Geraldine Fenn, also a jeweller for the past ten years, has
a background in archaeology and art history. Using the form of the trophy
and protective glass domes, her small sculptures play with themes of
domestic life and preservation.
Marchand van Tonder studied jewellery at Stellenbosch
University and has been involved in jewellery making and teaching since
1984. His work for this show, which is subtitled “Tales of Grim(m)”,
investigates the darker side of traditional fairy tales.
Due to the generally small scale of the work, the viewer’s
attention is drawn in to each piece in a very close, personal way. The
result in a very intimate viewing experience, with the preciousness of the
small works being highlighted. Each artist will produce a collection of 12
pieces.
|
|
|
