Enquire
Sorry about that! We encountered an issue. We suggest trying to submit the form again later.Message Submitted
Thank you for your inquiry! We're delighted to hear of your interest in our artwork. Our team is reviewing your request and will get back to you shortly.
000%
13 Apr - 15 Jun 2022
Spring Awakening arises from the idea of spring as a time of intense ecological, physical and psychological change. Curator Lindsey Raymond invited artists to consider the role of renewal and growth in their work, as well as their opposite – loss and decay.
Southern Guild presents Spring Awakening, a multi-sensory exhibition by more than 20 artists, encompassing painting, sculpture, photographic work, ceramics, wearable art, textiles and sonic pieces. The exhibition brings together artists from Southern Guild’s stable alongside recently joined, emerging artists and invited guests.
“In springtime, the future is a thing that gleams within palpable reach like a ripe fruit ready to be plucked from a tree. It signifies the starting growth of a new harvest, while occupying the liminal space between a year almost passed and a year yet to come. In this way, it is a time of reflection in as much as it is a willingness for a future ideal,” Raymond notes.
However, she adds: “This showcase beckons the more intriguing questions of what boils beneath the surface too. Spring is as much a rebirth as it is a resurrection; particularly in light of the pandemic’s two year-long enforced dormancy. The emotion of pure and authentic happiness cannot exist without an experience of deep sadness to compare and define itself in relation to – this is what theorist Jacques Lacan refers to as ‘jouissance’ – a drive to feel ‘superabundant vitality’ (Seminar VII, 18 May 1960) and to experience the excess of life beyond need. But, as Lacan cautions, this is also a ‘backhanded enjoyment’ (Seminar X, 23 January 1963). Jouissance ‘begins with a tickle and ends with blaze of petrol’ (Seminar XVII).”
This exhibition borrows its title from the play written by Frank Wedekind which tackles the fervent sexual desire and angst of four teenagers as they wrestle the difficulties of abortion, depression, rape, suicide and queerness. First performed in Germany in 1906, the play is acknowledged for the macabre spirit of comedy which underpins its tragedy. Erotic fantasies play out through hedonistic behaviours, revealing the rawness and unquenched thirst of sexuality and the curiosity, shame and vulnerability accompanying it.
Spring Awakening will be a journey for the senses that evokes the arc of human energy, from wide-eyed innocence to transgression, loss and acceptance. Enriching the cross-pollination of art and design are a number of new and invited artists, including painter and ceramic artist Jeanne Hoffman, New York-based Egyptian artist Ghada Amer, photographer Lea Colombo, fashion designer Lezanne Viviers, printmaker and painter Shakil Solanki, ceramicist Martine Jackson, tapestry artist Talia Ramkilawan, furniture designer and fine artist Christine Jacobs, and jewellery designer and sculptor Githan Coopoo.
Notable works include a pair of large paintings by Hoffman that are site-specific in their reference of the gallery’s interior space, a trio of Brutalist-inspired ceramic sculptures by Jackson evoking the fierceness and tenderness of feminine power, and a series of sculptural ceramic totems by Shirley Fintz representing different elements of spiritual awakening. In addition, Mthatha-based artist and igqirha Sisonke Papu will contribute a healing intervention that includes a photographic work and “spiritual tech” soundscape, Justine Mahoney will present a ceramic piece alongside her usual choice of bronze sculpture, and Beninese artist Dominique Zinkpè will show paintings and assemblage sculptures made from carved wooden Ibeji dolls.
A number of Southern Guild artists will present work that explores new threads of interest. These include a ceramic vessel inspired by a traditional African udu drum by Andile Dyalvane, a dramatic chandelier made from glazed stoneware by ceramic designer Chuma Maweni, and a series of large enamel paintings on glass by Jozua Gerrard depicting scenes of intimacy and comfort between young lovers.
Artists
- Adam Birch
- Andile Dyalvane
- Cheick Diallo
Christine Jacobs
- Chuma Maweni
- Dokter and Misses
Ghada Amer
Githan Coopoo
Jeanne Hoffman
- Jozua Gerrard
- Justine Mahoney
Lea Colombo
Lezanne Viviers
- Madoda Fani
Martine Jackson
- Navel Seakamela
NØDE
- Porky Hefer
- Rich Mnisi
Rodney Band
Shakil Solanki
Shirley Fintz
Sisonke Papu
Talia Ramkilawan
Works
Andile Dyalvane
Umbhompolo (Stalk of The Agave Plant Flower), 2022Smoke-fired earthenware
21.63 x 17.75 x 17.75 in.
Dokter and Misses
Stone Dreamz Coffee Table, 2017Caesarstone
Edition 1 of 10
10 x 46⅞ x 35 in.
Dominique Zinkpè
Gardien du Temple (Guardian of the Temple), 2022Timber, acrylic paint, steel
Unique
65 x 59.88 x 14.13 in.
Dominique Zinkpè
Intelligence Humaine (Human Intelligence), 2021Timber, acrylic paint
Unique
84.63 x 19.75 x 11.75 in.
Jeanne Hoffman
Message Winds / A Window That Didn’t Close, 2022Acrylic on canvas (framed)
66⅞ x 102⅜ in.
Lea Colombo
White Light Red Shadow Self, 2022Archival inkjet print on textured suede wallpaper (unframed)
Edition 1 of 10
87⅜ x 61¾ in.
Lezanne Viviers
But-a-Body, 2021Leather, ostrich shin, vintage pleated polyester
Edition 1 of 3
57⅛ x 27½ x 23⅝ in.
Lezanne Viviers
Neither/Nor, 2021UV cured ink on brushed aluminium Dibond® (unframed)
Edition AP 1 of 1
54 x 35⅜ in.
NØDE
Cøngregate Table, 2022Hand-carved aluminium, honed granite
Edition 2 of 5
31⅛ x 116⅞ x 42⅛ in.
Rich Mnisi
Nwa-Mulamula's Chaise - Vutomi (Life), 2022Fibreglass, hand-mapped automotive coating
27.5 x 102.38 x 52.38 in.
Shakil Solanki
Drape My Hopes Upon the Chance to Touch Your Arm I, 2022Silkscreen print on silk sari
46½ x 24⅜ in.
Shirley Fintz
Crystal Healer, The Healers Series, 2021Glazed stoneware
35⅞ x 18⅞ x 15 in.
Shirley Fintz
Nurturing Anahata, The Healers Series, 2021Glazed stoneware
31⅛ x 18⅞ x 15 in.
Sisonke Papu
Ukhanyo I, 2022Archival giclée print on Epson Enhanced Matte, Diasec
Edition of 10, 2AP
45⅛ x 35¼ in.
Sisonke Papu
Ukuvuma Ukufa I, 2022Archival giclée print on Hahnemühle Photorag, Diasec
Edition of 10, 2AP
39⅜ x 177¾ in.
