("The
Emancipator", oil on canvas by Corné Eksteen)
disintegration is
the title of an exhibition by Corné
Eksteen which opens in artSPACE durban on August 31.
This selection of works, created over the last three months,
consists mainly of portraits. Utilising a distinctive approach to this
tradition, these works visually explore themes relating to the deconstruction
and fragmentation of identity. Through a process of drawing on conventions of
both figurative and abstract painting, the works attempt to visually dissect
the subject matter in the pursuit of an understanding of the dynamics and
transient nature of the 21st century psyche. They are intended to evoke
discussion on the idea of personal identity as a series of disjointed
concepts in a continuous state of flux.
Eksteen (also working as XTN) was born at Zastron, South
Africa on October 6, 1973. He studied for a BA in Fine Art at the University of
Pretoria and UNISA. He spent several years working in related fields from
Menswear Designer to various positions in the Interior Decorating and Design
Industry before taking up painting full time in 2003. As a visual artist, Eksteen
has been actively painting and exhibiting since 1996, taking part in numerous
group, two person, and several solo exhibitions. He has reached the finals of
prestigious art competitions including the ABSA L’Atelier Competition. His work
is currently included in a number of private collections across the world, as
far afield as Germany, Sweden, the UK and USA.
Eksteen's work has gone through many phases and transformations
over the last 20 years that he has been active as an artist - from large-scale
male nudes to conceptual pop art. The common thread running through his work
can best be described as a study of the human condition relating to the
interplay between identity, gender, sexuality and spirituality. Sometimes
drenched with obscure references to popular culture from PJ Harvey lyrics to
David Lynch films, his work also references older cultures and religions like
Paganism and Gnosticism.
disintegration opens
on August 31 in the Middle Gallery of artSPACE durban which 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
