The artivist among us
ALBERTS FARM – We chat to self-described conscious creator, design scientist and artivist, Jess Giles who shares on artworks both past and still to come.
This week, the paper caught up with Jess Giles, a local artist who says her artworks are inspired by action and creating awareness.
Last year, she had an art installation at Alberts Farm and Northcliff Ecoridge Park which was part of the Global Day of Creative Action that fell in early November and was created by Micro Galleries. “This project is a global movement that not only fills the world with art and creativity but helps communicate, protest, take a stand, investigates, starts conversations, inspire and reimagine a world in relation to climate disruption,” she said.
For her, Albert’s Farm was the perfect location for this installation as it is the home to the only artesian spring in Gauteng.
She described this project as a global movement that not only fills the world with art and creativity but helps communicate, protest, take a stand, investigate, start conversations, inspire and reimagine a world in relation to climate disruption. “This was one of Micro Galleries’ only open platforms where anyone who would like to create to make a difference can be involved.”
As it fell during COP26, the theme for 2021 was Golden Repair (The Climate). For her installation, all materials used were sourced to be as regenerative or sustainably sourced as possible. The gold was created with a gold gift wrap from a local packaging store that not only was carbon emission neutral but also FSC (the mark of responsible forestry). The posters were printed on recyclable correx board and the garden stakes were made from recycled plastic. The City of Joburg, City Parks and Albert’s Farm Conservancy supported the concept and she said were key in making it a reality.
As she puts it, her artwork is artivist and design science pieces she hopes will inspire future visionary leaders and communities to create systemic change for a better future for 100% of life. When asked how long she has been artist for, she said she had never really considered herself an artist by definition. “I have worked in the creative industry for 20 years and I have always enjoyed being creative while inspiring others to embrace their creativity too,” she said.
She does, however, consider herself a conscious creator, design scientist and activist.
“I am hoping to create a new installation for March 2022. I would love this to be a part of a bigger roll-out nationally by collaborating and highlighting more unique spaces and areas in South Africa where local communities can get involved,” she concluded.
