(Pic: Zamani Makhanya depicts barefoot players, vuvuzelas, Lesotho blankets and Central African masks)Visual celebration of the world's most-watched sporting event at Suncoast Zone. (Report by Caroline Smart)
Soon after the news that South Africa was going to host the 2010 World Cup Soccer Season, the ever-inventive mind of Craig Mark began to stir with a ground-breaking project. Owner of Kizo Gallery at Gateway and the driving force behind many visual arts initiatives, he was soon at the head of a group of like-minded South African entrepreneurs who aimed to promote fine art during the World Cup.
They approached FIFA with their ideas and these were well received. The result is the 2010 Fine Art Collection, one of the largest and most ambitious international art collaborations in history. It is currently running at Suncoast Zone, the only location in Durban to house the full collection.
From paintings to sculptures, the art on display is divided into two collections: 2010 International Fine Art - which features 160 leading contemporary artists from the 32 countries who have qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ - and 2010 African Fine Art which features 15 African artists, providing them with a global platform to exhibit market and sell their works to a hitherto untapped international clientele base.
“It is a visual celebration of the world's most-watched sporting event and is inspired by the return of the world to Africa,” explains Craig Mark. “It is the first time in the 80-year history of the FIFA World Cup™ that fine art on this scale has been recognised as Official Licensed Products by FIFA – another proudly South African first for 2010.”
As Craig Mark indicated in his opening speech earlier this week, it is fascinating to observe the international artists’ interpretation of the theme alongside work from African artists. It’s an exhibition over which you need to take your time, so set aside at least an hour to enjoy browsing around the works.
Those that caught my eye from around the world were Pablo Di Masso’s (Argentina) couple dancing the tango in soccer boots and Peter Phillips’ (England) Africa Twirl. I particularly enjoyed Tomoko Seyama’s (Japan) Funisoccer with a charming kimono-clad Geisha holding a soccer ball while miniature wild animals of all descriptions hang onto her. More fun from Taju’s (Kenya) quirky Cows Love Football Too and fast-paced energy from his compatriot, Wakaba Mutheki’s action images.
Some works require thought like Frank Asomani’s (Ghana) Only Soccer can do this which at first sight looks as if players, fans and animals are all placed behind the whirls of razor wire – but the title guides the interpretation of the whirls being links. Eirema de la Paz Mudial by Irazema Rios (Honduras) brings a sense of elegance with a woman in a star-studded ball-gown silhouetted against a burning African sunset.
Max Kamundi from the Tingatinga artists in Tanzania works in symmetrical circles producing a wonderfully chaotic image mix of people, trophy, ball and continent – take time on this one and you’ll find the smaller images morph into larger ones. Paul Goodnight’s (USA) The Network is full of hectic energy showing the power of the soccer kick.
From sculptor Keith Calder’s impressive range of Footballers or Dennis Guichard’s impressive photographs of the World Cup Stadiums to Esther Mahlangu’s suitably themed Ndebele designs, it’s good to see South African art holding its own against the international component.
The spirit of the game with all its hectic energy is well-captured by Barbara Ploner while Gavin Rain invites the viewer to look deeper to find hidden images. Andrew Verster’s The Kickoff is an eye-catching work and Zamani Makhanya colourful figures resonate with traditional African spirituality. Ian van Zyl’s works amuse under the title of African Game. Also impressive are Clint Strydom’s series of black and white photographs titled Real Heroes depicting youngsters playing soccer on a beach in the Transkei.
Craig Mark has also announced that the team behind this South African initiative will now be involved in future World Cup soccer seasons. Congratulations to all involved!
The 2010 Fine Art Collection runs at Suncoast Zone until July 31. Entry is free and samples of art will be displayed at other high-traffic areas throughout KZN to promote the exhibition at Suncoast. More information from Suncoast Marketing on 031 328 000 or visit www.suncoastcasino.co.za
The collections are also being exhibited in Johannesburg, Cape Town and at Sun City. For more information visit www.2010fineart.com – Caroline Smart
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