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MAY 2006

	Editorial APRIL SAW THE END OF A CHAPTER FOR SOME ARTISTS VISITING GREATMORE & the arrival of a fresh team of talent. This month’s issue exposes the heartbeat of some of these new faces and also seeks to honour an older voice .There is no doubt that something is happening at Greatmore - the breadth of artistic expression is exciting. TAG this May reveals a strong theme of sculpture work flourishing across the studios –we hope that an interesting exchange between artists working within other media will be fostered. As usual TAG promises to be an honest and accessible read, highlighting relevant happenings at Greatmore, as well as providing essential information about opportunities in the greater art scene. As always we welcome your comments concerning the newsletter and its overall content at tagnews@gmail.com . So what are you waiting for- scroll down & explore! TAMBUDZAI LAVERNE SIBANDA Next month, we hope to feature an article on three Greatmore artists originally trained as printmakers at Rorke’s Drift. We also hope to unveil an exclusive interview with Mr. Lee, newly arrived resident artist from Korea .Watch this space for a short video clip on other happenings in the space in June. NEW AND NEXT @ GREATMORE STUDIO'S: Making the connection Andre Barnard recently returned from a visit to Thapong (Botswana), Tulipamwe (Namibia) and the BAG Factory in Johannesburg as a representative of the Triangle Arts Trust. TAG spoke to him about his experiences visiting these ‘familiar’ but very distinctly different sister studios. Thapong Visual Art Centre sculpture studio Andre Barnard: I spent two days in Gaborone and Windhoek and one short day in Johannesburg. I met up with the artists, trustees and administrators of the different projects, a trip that was sponsored by Ford Foundation. Our Greatmore office has been given the mandate by Triangle Arts Trust to perform an administrative role in the Southern African part of the network, gathering relevant information on the various projects- this was my primary objective for the brief visit. TAG: What struck you the most about the other projects? A.B.: The fact that one doesn’t need anything special to run a studio-any space will do. Not one studio was the same. TAG: Anything new emerging at the respective studios? A.B: Thapong has a lot of possibilities and potential that is still being unpacked while Tulipamwe is going through some positive restructuring at the moment. “...one doesn’t need anything special to run a studio-any space will do. Not one studio was the same.” TAG: How is the art arena growing in Botswana? Does some form of networking exist between the artists? What could be improved? A.B.: Thapong has been very influential in developing and fostering the artists’ growth as well as expanding art awareness throughout Gaborone. There is a growing network of individuals that acknowledges the contribution that Thapong has made. It would be great if the artists in Botswana could strengthen their international network base through the use of the internet. TAG: What contribution are community workshops initiated by Tulipamwe having in Namibia? A.B.: Namibia is a huge and isolated nation with distinctly different people groups. I believe workshops have the potential to bring people together in a way that transcends cultural and language barriers. [Back to the top] New artists on the block TAG once again extends a warm welcome to our new artists: Ena Carstens, Nadja Daehnke & Xolelani Pat Matshikiza from Cape Town; Avhashoni Mainganye from Limpopo Province; Yeul Byung Lee from Korea and Gabriel Rueda Pacheco a New York resident boasting Puerto Rican heritage. These artists arrived in the space a little over a month ago and are already making plans for outreach programmes and a collaborative exhibition in June. In this May issue, TAG takes a brief look at four of these new artists, their thoughts about Greatmore, their exchange with other artists in the space and their current work. A humble yet deeply insightful woman, Ena Carstens is a sculptor who has worked in the field of public art making for years. A recent contribution to the public arts arena was her collaboration with renowned sculptor Claudette Schreuders, in the casting of bronze statutes at the Waterfront of Nobel Laureates. Claudette Schreuders was a former resident at Gasworks in the UK; she has also served a 3 month residency in Nairobi Kenya. (For more info on the artist please visit www.vgallery.co.za/cvschreuders ). Ena speaks very passionately of the exchange with the public that is demanded by sculptures in an open space. “You can’t help but want to touch them!” Since her arrival at Greatmore, Ena has embarked on a series of pieces that unpack and deal with her Afrikaans background. Of particular interest to her at present is capturing in wood the tension between the cold strong conservative nature of women she was exposed to growing up in an Afrikaans community and their rich maternal qualities. more about her in the website Talking to high school teacher Gabriel Rueda Pacheco one cannot help being drawn in by his exuberant, energetic personality. “I live in New York and it is a very social world ...no one lives in a vacuum; networking is essential.” Cape Town for Pacheco is very ‘familiar’ terrain when compared to Puerto Rico, the land of his ancestry. “We share the same water, colours and similar flora...” The complexities of Cape Town- the issues of identity and race that are pervasive are important to Pacheco whose work speaks of the heritage of a Caribbean Diaspora, slavery and displacement. Pacheco’s elegant sometimes very twisted wood carvings incorporate aluminium; speak of the collage and conflation of experiences and cultures that constitutes our post-modern world. Despite his youth Khayelitsha born Xolelani Pat Matshikiza is an artist with great versatility and depth who introduces into the studio space a peculiar work ethic and discipline that very few of the most mature artists can claim. A seasoned athlete, Xolelani’s ability to juggle his athletics with his passion for oil painting is most inspiring. He speaks of athletics as an art form and a skill that has equipped him with the strength, determination and ‘power’ to tackle the most massive of paintings. Acknowledging his youthfulness, he speaks of his time at Greatmore being a season for finding and developing his own voice in the art world & technique .He arrives at Greatmore to ”...feel the environment” ,invest in his passion and glean from other seasoned artists. more about him in the website [Back to the top] Behind the Scenes with Yvonne George Yvonne George has been a familiar face at Greatmore studios for over 7 years and fulfills the proverbial title of mother. The story of how she got intertwined in the workings at Greatmore is an interesting one.65years old and a proud mother of four children, a grandmother to 9 and a wife to retired South African Defense Navy personnel, one does wonder how Aunty Yvonne finds the time and energy to oversea the security of the premises and artists at Greatmore. Aunty Yvonne has lived across the road from Greatmore studios long before its inception. When the first artists moved in, her deep curiosity could not keep her out of their affairs; she began visiting the premises on a regular basis and soon her maternal instincts kicked in, as did her interest and concern for the welfare of the artists. Over the past 7 years or so, ‘Aunty’ Yvonne has witnessed artists streaming in from countries as far at Germany, the Uk,Canada and Nigeria and in her house one sees evidence of their strong relationship through an ever growing collection of artwork that adorns her walls in her home. Claiming no previous training in the area of defense Yvonne’s deep love for Greatmore’s artists has made her a force to be reckoned with in the department of security. She is very jealous for the lives of the artists and goes out of her way to make people feel comfortable. “I get scared for the artists-I have to teach them to be more security conscious” she adds. Yvonne speaks of the system at Greatmore being fair- and she says she has stayed because ‘I am so happy being a part of the family” she chuckles as she pages through a personal album she has complied of photos of the artists she has had the privilege of interacting with at Greatmore. On behalf of all the artists that have passes through this studios-TAG would like to specially honour and uplift a sister whose love and buxom hugs have comforted many a soul. Thank you for your continued service and sacrifices you make in looking out for the welfare of the artists. [Back to the top] IN THE LOOP...BEYOND GREATMORE Gasworks photographer Joy Gregory on her visit to South Africa - Joy Gregory is a board member of the Triangle Arts Trust. “I have recently returned from a research trip to the Northern Cape in South Africa. I was working Leintjie Witbooi in Andriesval, Uppington. It was my send visit to the community, one that has greatly informed the work I am currently working around the language, Nlu. It was a successful trip as far as gathering the data I needed. I did however face a few difficulties –mainly cultural- in my inability to speak Afrikaans.” [Back to the top] EXPERIENCE IT - OPPORTUNITIES IN RESIDENCY, COMPETITIONS & EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES Space for artists to exhibit work at newly opened gallery in Stellenboch Stellenbosch based art collector opening a gallery space is looking for art to buy directly from artists, all media. Artists are encouraged to set up personal appointments with Baylon Sandri at baylon@mweb.co.za [Back to the top] Call for submissions for Portrait exhibition at AVA The Association for Visual Arts invites artists to submit portraits for consideration for a portrait exhibition from 31 July - 18 August 2006 at AVA in all three gallery spaces. Please indicate your interest in submitting a work by phoning AVA on 021 424 7436, faxing 021 423 2637 or e-mailing on avaart@iafrica.com before 30 June 2006 [Back to the top] AVA invites submissions for 2006 Public Sculpture Competition F the J.K. Gross Trust (JKGT), Spier and the Association for Visual Arts (AVA) invite the submission of maquettes for the execution and installation of a public sculpture on the patio of the AVA Gallery, 35 Church Street, Cape Town. Application forms, site maps and more information about the competition can be found at www.ava.co.za . All submitted maquettes will be exhibited at AVA from August 22 to September 1, 2006. Deadline for submissions is 18 August 2006. [Back to the top] Artists encouraged to advertise freely upcoming exhibitions in CONTEMPO New arts, culture and design magazine, CONTEMPO, birthed from Gasworks studios (A sister project to Greatmore) is offering an opportunity for artists to advertise upcoming exhibitions free of charge. A short blurb should not exceed 450 words in total. For further information about the layout please contact editor@contempo.co.za. Deadline for entries is 8 May 2006 [Back to the top] Truworths appeals to artists to exhibit work on art panels Truworths is appealing to artists to exhibit their work on four art panels (1.13m X 2m) in the foyer of their head office. Work should be framed/block mounted and appropriate string attached to paintings that need to be hung. Paintings or drawings of landscapes are not encouraged. Artists should note that all art work will be presented before a panel .Please contact Gail Moffat on 0214607412 for more information. It is advised that all interested artists read a legal notice http://www.truworths.co.za/emaildisclaimer.htm before submitting their work. [Back to the top] Unseen City invites contributions Artists are invited to submit relevant work that reveals a new urban reality among the youth in Cape Town/Amsterdam for a web-based project. Visit http://www.unseencity.uct.ac.za for more info [Back to the top] Global Arts Village Fellowships Global Arts Village is an emerging international residential art centre in New Delhi, India that encourages diversity and multicultural exchange among creative people. Resting on a three-acre property that includes gardens, a multi-purpose studio, sculpture workshop, a meditation and performance hall, a common building, a dance studio, performance spaces and accommodations, the Village offers residency programmes to emerging, mid-career and established artists in all major creative disciplines. The Global Arts Village offers full and partial fellowships, several specific fellowship opportunities and an Artist-in-residence programme. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, there is no deadline. Visit www.globalartsvillage.org for more info. Applications can be submitted via email or post to: info@globalartsvillage.org or Global Arts Village Mehrauli - Gurgaon Road Utsav Mandir, Gitorni New Delhi, 110030, India [Back to the top] Journal of African Art History and Visual Culture calls for papers Critical Interventions: Journal of African Art History and Visual Culture is a new peer-reviewed publication for studies in the history of classical, modern, and contemporary African arts. Submissions of scholarly art historical essays about objects and critical discourses in African arts and visual cultures are encouraged. Comparative work rooted in developments in Africa that links African art to the Diasporas, to Europe, Asia or to the Americas will be considered. Submissions must be original and previously unpublished work submitted both in hard copy and also in electronic form saved in Microsoft Word. Send articles to: John Peffer, Editor Critical Interventions c/o HAVC, Porter Faculty Services University of California Santa Cruz, CA 95064 USA Further enquiries may be made to j_peffer@yahoo.com and ogbechie@arthistory.ucsb.edu [Back to the top] The fine arts international contest 2006 in Granada, Spain Artists, printmakers, sculptors, photographers and artists of printed digital art are called to submit work for consideration for this competition. For more information, please visit http://es.geocities.com/acvra_2000/id5.htm & http://usuarios.lycos.es/avra/id139.htm 2 700 Euros will be given away in total as prizes all awarded works will be exhibited in an exhibition in 2006/ 2007.Deadline for entries closes 15 July 2006 [Back to the top] Gallery in Georgia, USA seeks South African artists Fine Art Gallery in Roswell, Georgia (USA) seeks talented artists from South Africa to submit samples of their work and a resume for consideration to have their work exhibited in this space. Laramee Fine Art 984 Canton St. Roswell, Georgia (USA) 30075 Email submissions may be sent to: larameefineart@charter.net [Back to the top] A website raising funds for AIDS orphans appeals to artists to donate their work for auction Nicci Bailey organiser of last year’s successful campaign , Art for AIDS Orphans is currently setting up a permanent charity website gallery, www.art4aids.co.za, and is inviting artists who would like to donate a piece for this worthy cause to log onto the site. Bailey may be contacted at beezy@beezybailey.co.za [Back to the top] RESOURCES Saatchi Gallery invites artists to post their work online Online Gallery, Saatchi invites artists to post their work on their website which is currently under construction .Artists are encouraged to email samples of their ( JPEG images) work with titles, media used, the year of completion and relevant dimensions as well as a short description of each piece of work( 200 word limit for each piece). A brief CV outlining the artist’s art training and education, any exhibitions participated as well as a personal statement (limit of 200 words) including an accompanying personal JPEG image/photo of the artist may be forwarded to kieran@saatchigallery.com [Back to the top] Art Moves Africa Art Moves Africa (AMA) is an independent non-profit association aiming to facilitate cultural and artistic exchanges within the African continent. AMA offers travel funds to artists, arts professionals and cultural operators living and working in Africa to travel within and between the five African regions in order to engage in the exchange of information, the enhancement of skills, the development of informal networks For more information, contact Khadija El Bennaoui at ama@yatfund.org . [Back to the top] VIEW IT View Garth Erasmus Retrospective online Africa South Arts Initiative (ASAI) is hosting an online exhibition of 27 works by acclaimed artist Garth Erasmus dating from 1985-2003 in a Garth Erasmus Retrospective. Visit www.asai.co.za to view the work. [Back to the top] DIARISE IT Visiting artists’ collaborative exhibition to be held on 23rd June, 2006 [Back to the top]			The new visting and resident artists at Greatmore... readmore CONTENT EDITORIAL ...read more NEW AND NEXT @ GREATMORE STUDIO'S: > Making the connection Andre speaks about his visit to Botswana & Namibia ...read more > New artists on the block TAG talks to 4 new artists...read more > Behind the scenes TAG honours the service of security personnel Yvonne George ...read more IN THE LOOP...BEYOND GREATMORE > Gasworks photographer Joy Gregory talks to TAG about her recent visit to South Africa...read more EXPERIENCE IT OPPORTUNITIES IN RESIDENCY, COMPETITIONS & EXHBITION OPPORTUNITIES > Space for artists to exhibit work at newly opened gallery in Stellenboch...read more > Call for submissions for Portrait exhibition at AVA ...read more > AVA invites submissions for 2006 Public Sculpture Competition... read more > Artists encouraged to advertise freely upcoming exhibitions in CONTEMPO...read more > Truworths appeals to artists to exhibit work on art panels...read more > Unseen City invites contributions...read more > Global Arts Village Fellowships... read more > Journal of African Art History and Visual Culture calls for papers ... read more > The fine arts international contest 2006 in Granada, Spain...read more > Gallery in Georgia, USA seeks South African artists...read more > A website raising funds for AIDS orphans appeals to artists to donate their work for auction...read more RESOURCES > Saatchi Gallery invites artists to post their work online ...read more > Art MOVES Africa...read more VIEW IT > View Garth Erasmus Retrospective online...read more DIARISE IT > Greatmore Studio's visiting artists' collaborative exhibition...read more