(”Ability
confronts Duty” - acrylic on canvas)
Due to
open shortly in the Schreiner Gallery at the Tatham Art Gallery in
Pietermaritzburg is Office Politics –
scenes from the sinking ship, a solo exhibition by Faye Spencer
Faye
Spencer is currently a lecturer at University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for
Visual Art. Office politics-scenes from
the sinking ship represents a body of work comprising drawings, prints and
paintings that explore power-plays and idiosyncrasies of the working world. As
an artist and lecturer, she believes that given the considerable amount of time
most people spend at work, the absurd and humorous engagements that occur in
the office are worth reflecting and exploring on.
Animal
form (principally canine and partly domesticated), play a metaphorical role in
artworks and are used to explore both the darker side of human interaction,
i.e. violence, aggression and suspicion. On the other side and in contrast, the
docile canine form represent a light human interaction, i.e. blind obedience,
trained/well-mannered and performative (to the master’s voice). These
characteristics and character flaws are evident in abundance in office space
and corporate environments – situations wherein protagonists with differing
agendas are obliged to interact and co-operate.
Faye’s
body of work is highlighted with vivid colour and aggressively-worked surfaces
in many of the paintings and these contribute the central narrative contained.
The paintings are supplemented by drawings and prints which continue the notion
of this theme.
As part
of the exhibition, Faye will conduct an interactive walkabout with the audience
where she will discuss the use of canines as metaphors and symbols to narrate
this human behaviour at work and beyond. The walkabout will take place on October
17 between 12h00 and 13h00.
The
children’s workshop is aimed at pre-primary and primary school children from 14h00 and16h00 on October 17. It will
provide a light and colourful activity such as; working with paint and other
drawing media on fabric. The cost for the workshop is R60. Please provide
protective clothing, e.g. an old T-shirt or apron. Booking essential.
For more
information contact Pinky at 033 392 2811 or Thulani at 033 392 2823 and Kobie
at 033 392 2819.
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