AND WE HEARD THE COLOURS SOUND
And we heard the colours sound originates in the thought that sound and art may collide and result in abstract visual narratives. As a visual art movement, Abstract art has created an experimental space for artists to investigate the harmonious qualities of line and form, whilst often incorporating on other creative mediums like poetry and music to influence their art-making. In a contemporary landscape this notion gives artists the opportunity to activate an experimental space within the Abstract genre by creating emotive visuals in reaction to sound. The notion of the cross-pollination of creative forms – like visual art and sound – offers visual artists a new space in which they can conceptualise artworks. In And we heard the colours sound Butkow, Machate, Pather, Phetshane and Van Wyk explores the coalition between Abstract art-making and sound through their own unique perspectives.
SNAPSHOT BY JOHANN VAN DER SCHIJFF
Snapshot offers the viewer a glimpse into Johann van der Schijff’s artistic production of the last decade, which draws from his own experiences growing up in South Africa. His work has been concerned with the effects of apartheid and the pervasiveness of violence that continues in its wake. Therefore, questions of power relations in society underlie much of his work. Central to his exhibitions have been the presence of interactivity as he tempts his viewers to interact with his sculptures even as they realise such interactions are suggestive of aggression and complicity in violence. In Snapshot the artist displays punching bags that the audience can engage with. Through this process, Van der Schijff masterfully forces the viewer into a position of choice in their engagement with his artworks.
