Published 15 February 2022 in News
Untitled
Colijn Strydom 'The Bacchae of Buitenkant'
Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2022 (Untitled - ALT Section)
Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town, 8001
Friday 18 - Sunday 21 February 2022, 11:00 - 19:00
Featured Artist: Colijn Strydom 'Bacchae of Buitenkant'
'The Bacchae of Buitenkant' alludes to Euripides’ classic play, 'The Bacchae', which tells the tale of Dionysus, the god of pleasure, wine, ecstasy and fertility, who takes revenge on Thebes and its ruler, Pentheus. The Bacchae were Dionysus’ followers.
The play is a backdrop against which I explore where and who I am. It addresses gender roles and gender fluidity, which brings an additional layer of autobiography to the work.
Themes of fragmentation and fluidity are reflected in a combination of image, text, tactility and performance, and a mix of media that includes drawing, painting and photography.
The photographs arose from a desire to physically situate myself within the drawings and speak directly to my experience. The props featured in the photos are quite humble, and either made of cardboard or sewn by hand.
I make work to discover things, striving to be sincere and self-aware, and often turning to humour. These lighter moments are juxtaposed with contrasting moods and images to produce a dense and complex viewing experience.
About Untitled
Untitled was founded by Lille van der Walt and Mia Louw. We’re two art lovers who wanted to create a space where it’s easy for people to discover and engage with art, and be inspired and uplifted by it. We want more people to grow to love art, enjoy living with it, and be excited to buy it.
It matters to us to nurture close, honest, authentic relationships. To base those relationships on shared values and a love of art. To build lifelong connections. To grow together. To collaborate, catalyse and facilitate. To give artists space to experiment and to express their own stories. And to be mutually supportive.
We’re fortunate enough to work with some of the most outstanding artists our country has, who also happen to be some of the most amazing people we’ve met.
For more information about Untitled and to preview the Collection please navigate to their website here
For more information and to purchase your ticket to the Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2022, please navigate to the website here
Image Credit: Colijn Strydom l 'Glade (Pentheusmachine Series)' l 2022 l Acrylic paint and ink on wood, primed with gesso l 40 x 30 cm l Image Courtesy of Untitled