(Pic: Michael Croeser’s “Work in progress for Accidental Infinite Decapitations of a Cult Figure”; Charcoal on Fabriano; 60 x 111cm)An exhibition titled Electric Flying Psycho Eternity Catcher is currently running at the KZNSA Gallery.
Michael Croeser is a Durban artist known for his meticulous, labour-intensive drawings. The ideas in the artworks arise from dreams and daydreams, sometimes triggered by a passing comment, image or object. They are informed by the artist’s direct environment and experience, which become distorted in his mind. These distortions then become the subjects: the absurdity; mutation; decay; distortions of scale. Croeser’s dimensional treatment of light is both sinister and beautiful. Voluminous shadows often swallow up whole areas of the subject matter.
The process begins with a thumbnail black ballpoint scamp idea in a pocket notebook. The scamp is then developed into a bigger collage, now including both original and archival photographic reference. The collage, in turn, becomes the reference for the drawings, which tend to favour cinemascope formats. Croeser studies the reference meticulously, often with a magnifying glass, taking measurements to re-map, in pencil, the reference into its final drawing. Charcoal is later applied in layers.
Croeser will exhibit four of these of these completed drawings, along with samples of his reference material. In addition the exhibition shows a series of “spontaneous line drawings” in coloured pencil crayons on paper, where freer compositions introduce an astonishing element of chance.
Michael Croeser: Electric Flying Psycho Eternity Catcher was produced with the support of the National Arts Council of South Africa.
Electric Flying Psycho Eternity Catcher runs at the KZNSA Gallery until June 21. The KZNSA is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031 277 1703, fax 031 201 8051 or cell 082 220 0368 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za
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