On 18 February 2016 Albus by Justin Dingwall opened at the NWU Gallery in Potchefstroom. After the tremendous success of Albus at the 2015 Joburg Art Fair, this exhibition at the NWU Gallery is the first to showcase the full Albus series - consisting of 42 works.
The discourse about albinism is generally avoided as taboo in the African context. When discussed, it is usually viewed as negative or as a sought after “oddity” in fashion and art trends. Dingwall aims for an intimate perspective to foreground the myths surrounding albinism. Albus developed into an exploration of the aesthetics of albinism in contrast to the idealised perceptions of beauty, beginning with an interest to capture something not conventionally perceived as “beauty”. Dingwall began this project with the ethereal portraits of Thando Hopa, a legal prosecutor who is using her visibility to address the negative perceptions surrounding albinism. Dingwall’s inspiring new work uses specific elements to foreground the symbolic meaning behind each work. These symbols, like water, butterflies and snakes, have inspired his perceptions as an artist, and are significant in his intention to affect the viewers’ perspective. These works features Thando Hopa and Sanele Xaba.
This exhibition is on until 8 April 2016 at the NWU Gallery in Potchefstroom.
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