(Work by Grace
Kotze)
An exhibition by Grace Kotze titled Spoils
of a Creative Forage will open at the KZNSA Gallery on October 10, 2018.
This exhibition tells the story of Kotze's present creative meanderings
as she moves through her visual and emotional surrounds. Kotze's exhibitions
usually consist of a very limited subject base through which she explores her
concerns. 'But at present my mind is like an over-active mouse, scurrying
through an overstocked pantry gathering delicious visuals. Hence “Spoils Of A Creative Forage” is full of
a myriad of subjects that are held together by an emotional pull.
'At present I am very conscious of humanities attachment to objects
through emotional bonds formed by family stories, memories of past experiences
and associations. These objects become almost like a talisman that hold some
greater power than inanimate objects.
“As do coveted artworks which mesmerise and move the viewers, taking on
a mystic value, painting replicas of master’s works is a way of learning,
paying homage and adding emotional content to my work through the poetry of
another’s. I have so much to learn and I am so grateful for the abundance of
artwork to be seen and learnt from. It’s inevitable that some of these
creations are absorbed into my work.
“Interwoven with these themes are the creatures of Durban who bring
suggested movement into the genre of the still life. As much as I love still
lives, adding a subject that moves always allows me to exhale during the
creative and viewing process. All the birds and animals that I paint are ones
that I have stalked and photographed in Durban. This gives me a deeper
understanding and compassion for the manner in which they have to navigate
their way around the city.
“It is amazing how working on an exhibition can lead me to a deeper
self-awareness. During the process of
working on Spoils Of A Creative Forage,
a feeling of displacement was forming in me. As much as I love Durban, a
growing desire to live away from the city started to form. I began to feel
increasingly like the monkeys and pigeons who co-habit with humanity. Where
this will take me in both my living situation and art work is something I am
yet to understand and explore.”
Spoils of a Creative
Forage runs from October 10 to 28, 2018. 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.kznsa.co.za
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