An artistic collaboration
HIGHLANDS NORTH – Four Johannesburg-based artists joined together for a joint, thought-provoking art exhibition at The Studio, corner Jauncey and Merriman Streets, Highlands North. Following the success of the opening and scheduled run of the 3 + 1 Studio exhibition, the running of the art show has now been extended until 23 August.
The exhibition, which was opened by artist Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi, features artists Philippa Graff, Aliza Bender, Judy Shear and Talia Goldsmith, as well as an introduction to the artwork of fine art student, Elkan Thema.
Graff uses leaves, sand and sticks applied to the surface of her paintings to help portray an atmosphere and feeling of a forest – its dampness, shade and filtered light. Her artworks speak of contrast including light and dark, as well as indoor and outdoor.
Bender exhibits a group of works called Outside In. She utilises handmade paper, pigments and ink in a fascinating combination to create a unique exploration of line and colour.
Shear’s working process involves layering a matrix of images to portray submerged memories and significant stages of her life. The group of works she shows is about the interaction of colour, line and space, with the placement of resonant images, but without considering those images as discrete elements.
Last, but certainly not least, is sculptor Goldsmith. The works she exhibits are titled Singing Roots, and they show her love of organic forms. She admits to finding inspiration in everything that surrounds her. She tries to create harmony using materials with a history, such as debris tossed away by society, in order to produce a new and different dialogue and story between them.
Despite their incredibly different approaches, media and styles, these three painters and one sculptor produce an integrated show of harmony that unifies perceptions of beauty through colour, shape and texture.
