(Work by Ardmore Ceramics)The exhibition, The A.R.T. Show, is being organised by the Make Art/Stop Aids programme which takes its name from a 1987 text by American art critic and activist Douglas Crimp.
The A.R.T. Show has developed from the earlier Not Alone exhibition shown in South Africa which was concerned with the transformative power of the arts to advance global health. This new exhibition takes its name from the fact that South Africa is now in the Post-Treatment phase of the epidemic but there are still many challenges to be faced. It features artists and collectives from throughout South Africa as well as other countries such as the US and UK and Armenia. As it travels, it will be augmented by contributions from other Southern African nations such as Botswana, Malawi and Mozambique.
The exhibition features a range of artists including William Kentridge (SA), Andrew Verster (SA), Sara Anjargolian (Armenia), Daniel Goldstein (USA) and Gideon Mendel (UK). Several collectives have also been commissioned to make work for the show. These include the Keiskamma Art Project, the Woza Moya collective and the Siyazama Project.
The exhibition will be made up of three components, to be displayed together or separately in a flexible format: The A.R.T. cabinet; Through Positive Eyes and works by major artists.
The A.R.T. cabinet is an exciting concept taking its inspiration from the old style steamer trunks as well as the Medicine Cabinet. This has been designed by Durban artist Xavier Clarisse for the travelling exhibition. Artists have been commissioned to create works especially for this cabinet which will have an interactive element.
Through Positive Eyes. Directed by London-based South African photographer Gideon Mendel, this project features photography documenting the experiences of 17 HIV-Positive people who participated in a workshop held in July, 2010.
Works by major artists - these are museum works by important artists and collectives and will include photography, prints and other media.
The show has been curated for the Make/Art Stop Aids Programme by Professor David Gere from the Dept of World Arts and Cultures at University of California together with independent curator Carol Brown from Durban.
The A.R.T. Show opens at the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg on December 1. There will be a smaller version at the Alliance Francaise in Durban. The Tatham show will continue until the end of January after which it will be shown at the KZNSA Gallery in Durban in March and then travel nationally and internationally.
More information from Carol Brown (Curate.a.Space) at email cbrown.durban@gmail.com or on 083 778 1192
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