(Painting by Corné Eksteen)
Opening at artSPACE durban on September 10 at 11h00 will be
an exhibition by Durban artist Corné Eksteen titled Assimilation.
The Artist’s Statement is as follows”
“Assimilation is traditionally defined as the process by
which a person or persons acquire the social and psychological characteristics
of a group. However, within the social dynamics of the post-information age,
the factors that define a group, a culture, even a national identity has much
wider reach and influence. We live in a hyper-connected society where we are
willingly submitting to the values and opinions of the group, where our sense
of personal identity and cultural values are subject to public scrutiny and
constant evaluation. Our traditional sense of community has been replaced by a
“hive-mind” mentality that doesn’t tolerate or embrace alternative opinions,
opposition and sub-cultures.
“Through the use of portraiture the works explore how our
own sense of personal and cultural identity is being subjected to the
expectations, values and norms presented by the group / collective /
“hive-mind”. Through the creation of new archetypes / stereotypes it will
explore the undermining of individuality, otherness, sub-cultures and
traditional culture through group pressure towards a homogeneous culture and
world view.”
Assimilation runs
at artSPACE durban from September 10 to 29. artSPACE durban is situated at 3
Millar Road (off Umgeni Road) in Durban. For more information contact 031 312
0793 or visit www.artspace-durban.com
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