(Pic: “Pondoland Market", woodcut on paper by Jeff Rankin)South African Workdays in Woodcut by Jeff Rankin at artSPACEdurban.
With the changes in South Africa over the past 16 years, Jeff Rankin’s conceptual approach has been partially transformed. In the past, he worked across a political fence, separated from the real world. Now the fence has been removed but a sense of separation remains. His gaze is still from a deeply felt distance; he accepts this and goes ahead, allowing the images to say what they do (depending on the viewer). His peace is found in their making.
Through the medium of woodcut, Slices of Lives sees people at work at locations including Pondoland and the Eastern Cape where he lives. The intention and effect vary from quite faithful and detailed presentations of what he sees to stylised or caricatured comment. Through all these variations, woodcut works its magic. Some images are editioned, but several remain as the original woodcut only.
Slices of Lives runs until June 19. artSPACE durban is situated at 3 Millar Road (off Umgeni Road) close to the Waste Centre. More information on 031 312 0793 or visit www.artspacedurban.co.za or www.artspacedurban.blogspot.com
Posts
