(Woodcut
by Jeff Rankin)
Learning
to Dance, a unique collaboration between artist and
poet, is currently on view in the KZNSA’s Park Contemporary Gallery.
In 2012, Durban artist Jeff Rankin, now
based on the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast, was commissioned by Doug Knox (aka the
poet Wylde) and his wife Shalane to produce work for their new Durban home.
Inspired by Shalane’s request that willow
trees appear and Wylde’s huge volume of online writs, Rankin chose woodcut as
his medium. That choice turned a large project into a titanic challenge: the
exhibition celebrates this two-year labour of love.
The artwork includes 16 fine prints in
limited edition, as well as the original finely-cut hand-coloured woodblocks
from which the prints were made. The prints are for sale. Also on show is an
installation of printed fabric panels made from huge woodcut pieces for the project.
Artist and writer are interviewed in a short video on site. The artist has used
selected extracts of Wylde’s poetry throughout much of this work, reminding the
viewer of the link between word and image. Rankin has had several successful
solo exhibitions in Durban. The work is always special, and this show is no
exception.
Learning
to Dance runs until June 1 in the Park Gallery at
the KZNSA Gallery, 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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