Artist’s fragmentation of memory, nostalgia and cultural identity

The collection of etchings and prints that comprise the exhibition Vestige are the result of the artist’s exploration of the fragmentation of memory, nostalgia and cultural identity.

“The two 4m prints are the key works on the show, and consist of traces of shaped etching plates – a collection spanning seven years – deconstructed and arranged to form a museum-like display of objects and artefacts,” said NIROXProject curator Neil Nieuwoudt.

The curator added that the artist’s interest in museums led him to explore different ways of viewing, in which the emphasis was placed on aesthetic contrasts rather than “ostensible understanding”.

“De Wet [also] sets up figurative and conversational relationships with seemingly mythological characters,” said Nieuwoudt.

These characters are often drawn from “spaces of spectacle”, such as zoological and museum dioramas.

He added that De Wet’s artistic practice engaged with “symbolic, cultural and anthropological readings of the body”.

“De Wet engages with the skin’s surface as a boundary, receptive to patterning, mapping and fragmenting,” he said.

“The continual reconstruction of imagery allows for a negotiation of that dichotomy between the civilised self and the instinctive, untamed self.”

The artist has supplemented this through the use of objects, artefacts, fragments and tools arranged and displayed as collected items that trace an “often false and non-linear historical trajectory”.

“This fracturing of imagery further investigates notions of displacement and belonging, evoking a sense of unease and disconnectedness, which he feels is particularly relevant to his own cultural history,” said Nieuwoudt.

Vestige will run from 4 until 25 September at NIROXProjects, Arts on Main, 264 Fox Street, Maboneng Precinct.

A walkabout with the artist will take place on 21 September at 12pm.

Details: 072 350 4326; www.niroxarts.com