MASTERS: The Marriage
of Craft & Art is an exhibition opening on July 20 that examines how
craft and fine art are perceived. How does one distinguish between the two, and
should such distinctions exist at all?
Curated by Grace Kotze, the exhibition draws from the vast
creative well of KwaZulu-Natal, filling the Main and Mezzanine Galleries of the
KZNSA with a visually and emotionally rich spectacle.
At the core of the exhibition is the message of respect -
respect for the maker and their work regardless of discipline or audience. So
often, works that are considered craft are relegated to the status of curios.
Reference is not made to their original and emotionally expressive design, and
the maker’s identity is overlooked with work that does not bear their name.
Fine art is a well-recognized visual art term, worthy of
commercial investment, critical acclaim and academic doctrine.
Two separate creative economies have been established, one
where the crafter is undervalued and the artist is valued.
This exhibition aims to blur distinctions between craft and
fine art and present the public with a viewing that critically levels the
field, with crafters and artists recognized equally as the masters they are. In
Europe there is a tradition of guilds where makers progress from apprentice to craftsman,
then journeyman and eventually to recognized master. In South Africa, and
particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, many of the crafters operating today would have
Master status using this model. The exhibition calls on audiences to revaluate
perceptions - to venerate, respect and celebrate work that is created with
emotion, integrity and expertise.
MASTERS: The Marriage
of Craft & Art runs from July 20 to August 7. This is a project of the
KZNSA's Social Art Programme, funded by the National Lotteries Commission. The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer
Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031 277 1705, fax 031 201 8051 or
cell 082 220 0368 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za
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