WILD & STILL: my first solo exhibition

WILD & STILL is now open! Strijdom van der Merwe gave a beautiful opening talk and many people watched, and participated, in my performance art piece on the opening evening during June's First Thursdays. 

This exhibition of artworks aims to achieve a tension between the raw power of the wilderness and tranquillity in our local natural landscapes. The artworks include still snapshots of wildness, in the form of paintings, drawings, mixed media work, and original limited edition prints. 

Featured in the diary of the Country Life!

Detail from "Eye of the Storm"

Detail from "Organic Matters"

Detail from "Forces of Soil"

Detail from "Tanglewood"

Preview and buy works from WILD & STILL: stateoftheart.co.za/curator/15/wild--still 

View photos of the exhibition and artworks on Facebook. 

and

JOIN ON 14 JUNE FOR MY ARTIST WALKABOUT AT 11AM

StateoftheART Gallery, 61 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town.
The gallery is next to G2 Art Gallery, on the fan walk, between Bree street and Loop street, in the heart of Cape Town. 

See you there!

more info, see the catalogue, and watch the video:

janetbotes.com/wild-still-exhibition

Untamed, wild & still

“Untamed”

Pencil on paper

594 x 420mm

2014

One of the works for my exhibiiton WILD & STILL,
opening on 5 June at StateoftheART, Cape Town.

Wild & Still

I am having my first solo exhibition!

WILD & STILL

expressions of the landscape

by Janet Botes

"Wildness ~ the sheer power and awe of waves crashing onto the beach, or a storm raging in the sky. Stillness ~ in the silent beauty of mist, the curve of a shell, and the fine details of an insect's wing."

This exhibition of artworks aims to achieve a tension between the raw power of the wilderness and tranquillity in a natural landscape. The artworks include still snapshots of wildness, in the form of paintings, drawings, mixed media work, and original limited edition prints.

Opening 5 June 2014 at 6pm
Introduction by Strijdom van der Merwe
Performance Art at 7pm
Artist Walkabout 14 June at 11am
Exhibition on view until 30 June 2014

Hosted by www.StateoftheArt.co.za, located in the heart of Cape Town, between Loop and Bree street, and known for selling affordable original art by South African emerging artists.

Big Names Exhibition at Greatmore: showing until 25 October

Pieces & Puzzles at the Lovell Gallery

"Glimpses", Janet Botes, 2013. To be exhibited as part of:

Pieces & Puzzles: Compositions of Human Expression Inspired by Nature.

Made, Mind, Explore; the Imagination of Nature

Join us for the opening of our Exhibition on Saturday, 24 August 2013 @ The Lovell Gallery

www.lovellgallery.co.za

The exhibition will run from 24 August until 26 September and if you cannot attend the opening; be sure not to miss the show!

Curated by Stefanie Schoeman

www.stefanieschoeman.co.za

Invitation design by David Brits

c. 0741057007 | w. www.davidbrits.com | w. www.destadlerhall.com

(eco)nversations GREEN ART 2012

After weeks and months of hard work, the exhibition was a great success! The exhibition, (eco)nversations GREEN ART 2012 was partnered with and hosted by the Green Expo in assocation with National Geographic Channel 281, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 23 to 25 November 2012. The exhibition showcased selected contemporary art by eight artists including installation art, sculpture, found object art and drawing. 

www.greenart.artlovenature.co.za

www.thegreenexpo.co.za

More photographs:

(eco)nversations in my website gallery

(eco)nversations Album on my Facebook page

A WORD FROM THE CURATOR
Janet Botes

This exhibition was conceptualized and organized as an integrated part of the 2012 Green Expo, one of  its main aims being to offer Expo visitors the opportunity to view and engage with art that is dedicated to raising awareness, changing perceptions or inspiring appreciation for our environment . The artists exhibited were chosen for their personal and individual philosophies, convictions and the way that they express these in their creative work. 

Most of the artworks on the exhibition are quite conceptual and they vary in the use of material and different art forms. They are inspired by the underlying themes, solutions and causes of the environmental crisis and global warming, and they seek to involve, invite and inspire people rather than berate, depress and belittle the viewer. 

I hope that you find the works as inspiring and thought-provoking as I do, and that their image(s) live in your mind or heart in a way that may change or enrich your way of life and your interaction with and within nature. 

As artist and curator, as a woman and as a human, I believe that we are nature, as much part of it as each tree, praying mantis and raindrop. By not respecting and embracing all living things and the landscape, soil and earth that sustains us, we are destroying and discarding ourselves. When  you reconnect with nature within and of yourself, you reconnect with everything around you.  And when you rethink, recycle, respect, reuse and rehabilitate things, your life and the spaces around you will be enriched and these practices will become second nature. 

This exhibition was made possible through the collaboration, cooperation and generous support as well as help of some amazing individuals. I would like to thank each of the artists: Kai, Nicolle, Danelle, Stefanie, Janet, Simon and Claire: thank you all for your participation, hard work and effort with your own art and also as part of the group. Thank you Kai, for writing the manifesto which brings everyone’s voices together so eloquently. 

I would also like to acknowledge and thank Chris Naude, Robyn Carstens, Radi van Zyl, Thea Butler and Eljanne Lochner for their support, effort and encouragement, as well as everyone involved with the Collage Mural Project. And last, but not least, thank you to the family members of the artists, and anyone else who helps us to be the artists who we are, fighting for the things we love. 

'I am an African' at Gallery @ Grande Provence, Franschhoek

The Gallery at Grande Provence Presents:

‘Angels 7 – I am an African’ 

The seventh annual Angels exhibition at The Gallery @ Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, Franschhoek, opens on Sunday, 9 December 2012 at 11h00 until 27 February 2013.

In 2006 a group show titled ‘Angels’ was established by The Gallery at Grande Provence. The title was playfully based on the name of the award winning collection of ‘Angels Tears’ wines that is produced by the Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate. Over the years the exhibition has progressed from an annual festive-season group show with references to angels, to a thought-provoking exhibition that addresses a range of current social and environmental matters.

This year “Angels 7” is themed ‘I am an African’. The theme references to one of the greatest African speeches ever delivered - to visually celebrate our identity, growth, achievements and the beauty of our people, land and cityscapes. However, the exhibition also aims to communicate the critical social and other challenges that currently face our society and environment. All aspects of life in contemporary South Africa will be represented.

Some of the contributing artists in this year’s “Angels” exhibition include:
Christiaan Diedericks, Eugenie Marais, Strijdom van der Merwe, Gordon Froud, Mbongeni Buthelezi, Richard Smith, MJ Lourens, Ruhan Janse van Vuuren, Wilma Cruise, Frank van Reenen, Ricky Dyaloyi, Greg Lourens, Katie Barnard Du Toit, Uwe Pfaff, Loni Drager, Mongezi Gum, Niel Visser, Koos de Wet, Sanna Swart, Talitha Deetlefs, JP Meyer, Marieke Prinsloo, Ingrid Coerlin, George Holloway, Zhann Solomons, Marleen Wolters, Thokozani Mthiyani, Erika Prinsloo, Anastasia Sarantinou, Janet Botes, Noelene Kleve, Anton Smit, Martin de Kock, Marieke Kruger, Frans Smit, Paula van Coller Louw, Jacques Dhont, Lynette ten Krooden, David Brits, Rae Goosen, Susara Steenkamp and Debbi Morkel.

 The famous speech, ‘I am an African’ by former President Thabo Mbeki was supplied to the artists as inspiration for their work. A selection of angel artworks and distinctive gifts and crafts feature in The Shop at Grande Provence to complement the ‘Angels Tears’ collection that is available in the retail area off the courtyard, behind The Gallery.

 For more information regarding this years exhibition please contact the curator
 Carina at +27 (0)21 876 8630 or e-mail gallery@grandeprovence.co.za

The Gallery is open from Monday to Sunday, from 10h00 till 18h00. 

www.grandeprovence.co.za

Join the conversation, Green Art 2012, 23-25 Nov at the CTICC, Cape Town

During the 2012 Cape Town Green Expo in association with National Geographic Channel 281, 8 artists are exhibiting artworks and art installations that engage the viewer about our planet, seeking to spark dialogues about our connection and relationship with our natural environment.

Eight Artists, One Planet

Each artwork in some way talks to and about: nature, the earth, the natural world, the planet, the ecosystem, the biosphere, our natural heritage - and our place within it.

ARTISTS:

Simon Max Bannister, Janet Ranson, Kai Lossgott, Stefanie Schoeman, Janet Botes, Danelle Malan, Nicolle Marais, Claire Homewood

The Collage Mural Project, facilitated by Claire Homewood, forms an integral part of the exhibition. Here's the event page for it: https://www.facebook.com/events/550323068328061/

Make sure to read Recession aesthetics and making art without destroying the planet: "A Green Art Manifesto", Kai Lossgott's contribution to (eco)nversations, and part of our catalogue which is available at the exhibition: http://kailossgott.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-green-art-manifesto.html

www.greenart.artlovenature.co.za

Facebook Event page

THANK YOU to our hosts and sponsors:

The Green Expo in association with National Geographic Channel 281
The Shoprite Checkers Development Trust
Pronature Paints
Xanita

Walk This Earth Alone Exhibition opening 12 August

HumanEarth at US Gallery, opening 5 March

Autumn leaves on a gallery floor

I've been away from home for more than a week now. I miss home - the mountain, the ocean, the leaves in the tree in the garden, the mew of our cat and the comfort of our own little nest. However, I am also really enjoying being where I grew up - among familiar sounds, smells and views. I feel refreshed and happy, and grateful for EVERYTHING that I've experienced, and what I have in my life. I am still and again in love with my husband, I adore my family, and I feel inspired and creative - ready to jump into the new projects that I've been planning.


Die straat waarin my ouerhuis is, met geel herfsgeklede bome.

And now... here's some photographs from the Scrapes and Scapes exhibition - the main reason for me being in Vanderbijlpark:









For even more photographs and information, view:
Photographs by Linda du Preez from the Visual Arts Department at the Vaal University of Technology
Photographs by Mark Shaun Hopkins, my talented fellow exhibiting artist and friend
Photographs in my website gallery

Don't miss the opening for Scrapes & Scapes!

If you haven't received my newsletter with all the information for the exhibition, check it out! You can view it here: http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=fca413d5a37c892c7a9a16a0f&id=e4589dacce&e=[UNIQID]

Nature and human influence

Left: "Soil Circles", pine needles with circles showing the underlying soil, at Deer Park, Cape Town. Exhibited as limited edition photographic print on cotton paper, 2011. Right: "Kinship", or "Tussenbeide", Mixed media on paper, approx. 74 x 50cm, 2011.

Two of the works that will be exhibited at HumanEarth.2:Re(-)Presentations at the Botanical Gardens Gallery at North West University (NWU), opening on 6 April and running until 2 May 2011.'View the exhibition invitation

A workshop and an exhibition in April!

Perform or come look

As part of the HumanEarth exhibition showing at Wessel Snyman Creative at the moment, we're going to do a performance art event on Thursday evening from 6pm. We're still planning and arranging some of the 'acts', and anyone can take part. The theme is around human interaction with nature, the ways that we either harm or help the natural environment, and the exhibition as well as event is aimed at promoting and initiating conversation and dialogue around this.

If you're interested in participating - either behind the scenes or as a performance artist, contact Nastasha Daniels - nastasha797@gmail.com, or me at art@janetbotes.co.za.

Viva for making things happen!!

Don't miss the exhibition opening!

So I spent the day at Wessel Snyman Creative, doing my newest art installation piece, and went to Sea Point beach with Nastasha Daniels to fetch some more pebbles for the said installation work. The great unveiling of this new work is at the opening of HumanEarth: conversation, which is tomorrow, Tuesday, at 7pm at 17 Bree street, Cape Town CBD. If you miss the opening, not to worry, the exhibition runs till 22 January, next Saturday. You'll only be missing out on free wine, and great conversations. But at least you'll see the art!



See you tomorrow evening!

For the leaflet/invitation to the exhibition, scroll down a bit on my blog, or follow this link for the art exhibition invitation.

Voorsmakie...

Acrylic and ink on wood, "Escape II"

Two of the works in the Vryheid series. Full series:"Vryheid: vlieg, vladder, vlug"

These are some of the works I am exhibiting as part of Dare to Dream in Silent Moments, opening on Thursday at 7pm at Wessel Snyman Creative, 17 Bree street, Cape Town. If you can only come for a quick look, make sure to be there at 8pm for my performance art piece!

Hope to see you there...

Black and Green...

When you break open one of those old 1.44 MB stiffie disks, this is what you find - without the cut out patterns of course... I hand cut patterns, letters and shapes into these stiffie inners and put small magnets on each to create some funky fridge magnets. You can get them at the Fringe Arts, which has their current pop-up shop at the V&A Waterfront, in Alfred Mall.


I did a mirror for the Habitat for Humanity Mirror Project, shown or run at the Home Expo at the CTICC during the first weekend of September. Yup, the green one. A mixed media piece that included lasercut wood, found wood, discarded items, Mendall (the premixed polifilla that I often use in my work) and also two hanging hooks for clothing or necklaces that adds functionality to the mirror.

...and now I'm off to work on the final works for next week's exhibition! Don't miss it... opening 23 September at 7pm at Wessel Snyman Creative, 17 Bree Street, Cape Town. My performance art piece will be at 8pm. The exhibition will run until 13 October.

Exhibitions and a bug

A recent commission for Heyns and Partners Inc. for their Cape Town branch in Keerom Street.

So, current exhibition that I'm participating in:

African Oddyssey at Raw Vision Gallery, Sir Lowry
Road, Woodstock, Cape Town (Almost diagonally accross from the Michael
Stevenson, and just down the road from Blank Projects)

VAN-guard Winelands Group Exhibition, opening on 8 June 2010. My work will be exhibited at Durbanville Hills, Western Cape.

South Africa at the Gallery at Duncan Yard, cnr. of Duncan &
Prospect Street, Hatfield, Pretoria.

I am, of course, still working on artworks for the exhibition "Dare to dream in silent moments". Lucy Skinner and I are exhibiting our work under this title or theme in September at Wessel Snyman Creative, at 17 Bree Street.


...And giving art classes on a Monday and Tuesday evening from 5pm-8pm in my studio in Woodstock. Interested? Send me an email at art@janetbotes.co.za for more info!

In the meantime I am also hard at work at managing Ecojunki (http://www.ecojunki.co.za/) and Arteviate (http://www.arteviate.blogspot.com/), keep an eye and ear open and let me know if you'd like to help or get involved!

And now for a bit of randomness:



While on my way to White Rabbit Studio in Gardens (Cape Town), I saw this old Volksie in Lingen Street. I started chatting to the owner of the beetle, who was right there at the moment! Miro Kloosterman is from the Netherlands, if I remember correctly, and after living in Cape Town for a while he is back in Europe. Now he is selling this very cute and charismatic VW beetle for R10 000. If you're interested, contact Richard watson at 0737800566.

Taking the Winelands and Pretoria by storm

My "Flotsam" series of works - which is mixed media works of wood and scraperboard - will be exhibited at Durbanville Hills, Western Cape, as part of the Winelands VAN-Guard exhibition from June to July. Read more here.





I will also be participating in the South Africa exhibition at The Gallery at Duncan Yard in Pretoria, opening on 28 May 2010 and running until July. For more information contact Cecily Pohl at 082 826 1298 or thegallery.cecily@gmail.com.