(“Across” by Karla
Nixon, 2015)
Opening at artSPACE durban on August 25 will be Once More, Karla Nixon’s Masters Fine
Art exhibition
Artist’s Statement:
“This exhibition marks the end of the practical component of
my Masters Degree in Fine Art at the Durban University of Technology. It is a
compilation of sculptural, video and 2-dimensional work, all of which use paper
as a dominant medium.
“My work explores transience within urban spaces. It attempts
to interrogate dichotomies such as construction and destruction, life and
death, man made and nature, development and deterioration and the tensions
created by these dichotomies. My exploration is an endeavour to understand my
reality, my existence. To do this, I found refuge through examining transience
and these contradictions.
“Paper is central to my practice because of its fragility,
it’s everyday usage, it’s recyclability, and because it is one of the most
consumable commodities of our time. I make use of it as my primary medium
whether it is cut, embossed or sculpted. This choice of medium refers to the
fragility of the transient state of our lives and our environment. The more the
paper is cut into the more fragile it becomes.
“The imagery I use is drawn from my surroundings, mostly
referencing construction sites, often in conjunction with natural forms. I have
focused on construction because of its brutality and beauty. For me,
construction and the processes around it are an apt subject matter to use as
metaphor for the complexities of life’s transience. The process (of building)
is often far more interesting than the goal or completed work itself, which in
this context works as a truism to life.”
Once More runs
from August 25 until September 1 at artSPACE durban, 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
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