Clouded Thoughts
Janko de Beer
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Dear Janko, Thank you for accepting our invitation for this interview. What does it mean to be a sculptor from South Africa? Right now it’s genuinely exciting. The art scene in South Africa is really vibrant. Our rich cultural diversity and heritage make for varied, interesting galleries and art fairs. Locals are investing in art, and international buyers are also starting to look at South Africa. |
photo: courtesy of the artist |
Globally, African art is having its day. In May, Sotheby’s held its first auction of African contemporary art. In September, Jochen Zeitz, a German businessman, will open the Zeitz MOCAA on the waterfront in Cape Town. In Paris, the Fondation Louis Vuitton recently unveiled two exhibitions of African Artists in the Bois de Boulogne, and CNN recently dubbed Cape Town the new contemporary art hub of the world. Truly exciting times!
How does life in Cape Town stimulate you in your artistic choices and everything else you do?
Cape Town is one of the best cities in the world to live. We are in between the mountains, vineyards and the sea and there is just so much to do outdoors.
The scenery is inspirational in itself and the people are also diverse and interesting, so it’s a great place to be creatively. In terms of my own work, I use a lot of found materials like kelp and drift wood, which I collect while surfing, hiking and so on.
Can you tell us a bit more about your inspiration behind "Clouded Thoughts”?
Clouded Thoughts for me represent a feeling of consciousness for one self and is part of series titled Elders which is a contemporary interpretation, based on the face and ceremonial painting techniques of the Dinka people of South Sudan. The sculptures represent the allegorical use of masks within society.
Where are some of the most exciting places where your sculptures are showcased?
My work is mostly in private collections, although there are some pieces in hotels here in South Africa.
My latest collaboration is with Create Hub Gallery in Dubai, and their new space, showcasing specifically contemporary African art, is pretty exciting.
I am also working on a project with a big five game lodge in Limpopo where a life size bronze leopard titled Feline in Motion will be installed.
How does life in Cape Town stimulate you in your artistic choices and everything else you do?
Cape Town is one of the best cities in the world to live. We are in between the mountains, vineyards and the sea and there is just so much to do outdoors.
The scenery is inspirational in itself and the people are also diverse and interesting, so it’s a great place to be creatively. In terms of my own work, I use a lot of found materials like kelp and drift wood, which I collect while surfing, hiking and so on.
Can you tell us a bit more about your inspiration behind "Clouded Thoughts”?
Clouded Thoughts for me represent a feeling of consciousness for one self and is part of series titled Elders which is a contemporary interpretation, based on the face and ceremonial painting techniques of the Dinka people of South Sudan. The sculptures represent the allegorical use of masks within society.
Where are some of the most exciting places where your sculptures are showcased?
My work is mostly in private collections, although there are some pieces in hotels here in South Africa.
My latest collaboration is with Create Hub Gallery in Dubai, and their new space, showcasing specifically contemporary African art, is pretty exciting.
I am also working on a project with a big five game lodge in Limpopo where a life size bronze leopard titled Feline in Motion will be installed.
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When did you decide to use the lost wax casting technique for your bronze sculptures? Why?
Getting to the lost wax technique was a bit of a learning curve. I had to discover what could work for my sculptures, since they are quite unique in terms of the raw materials I use.
So creating the mould from the original sculpture is quite tricky and one has to constantly bear in mind how the mould will eventually influence the casting process.
What type of art do you consume when you are out of your studio and exploring your community and the world?
I am an avid consumer of art and I also do collect art myself. As I said, Cape Town has a really exciting art scene, there are always exhibitions and art fairs on the go.
My current favourites in my collection includes work by Lionel Smit, Strydom van der Merwe and Khehla Chepape Makgato.
What are some of the features that make a substantial impression on you to consider them as subjects for your sculptures?
Anything that is unique and striking but at the same time beautiful and evocative.
Movement is also something I enjoy incorporating and playing with. I like to be guided by the sculpture as it transforms rather than being fixated on a precise roadmap.
What has helped you the most in promoting your work and establishing an international following?
I think that if you create art that speaks to people then you can establish a following, but it does take a lot of work. You have to be active in terms of always looking for the next opportunity and engaging with clients, curators and other artists.
The social media platforms also play a huge role for independent and represented artists alike. By utilizing the correct media platforms an artist will have a wider audience which could lead to your work being noticed by international collectors.
Getting to the lost wax technique was a bit of a learning curve. I had to discover what could work for my sculptures, since they are quite unique in terms of the raw materials I use.
So creating the mould from the original sculpture is quite tricky and one has to constantly bear in mind how the mould will eventually influence the casting process.
What type of art do you consume when you are out of your studio and exploring your community and the world?
I am an avid consumer of art and I also do collect art myself. As I said, Cape Town has a really exciting art scene, there are always exhibitions and art fairs on the go.
My current favourites in my collection includes work by Lionel Smit, Strydom van der Merwe and Khehla Chepape Makgato.
What are some of the features that make a substantial impression on you to consider them as subjects for your sculptures?
Anything that is unique and striking but at the same time beautiful and evocative.
Movement is also something I enjoy incorporating and playing with. I like to be guided by the sculpture as it transforms rather than being fixated on a precise roadmap.
What has helped you the most in promoting your work and establishing an international following?
I think that if you create art that speaks to people then you can establish a following, but it does take a lot of work. You have to be active in terms of always looking for the next opportunity and engaging with clients, curators and other artists.
The social media platforms also play a huge role for independent and represented artists alike. By utilizing the correct media platforms an artist will have a wider audience which could lead to your work being noticed by international collectors.