Gert Potgieter - Synopsis: Establishment Blues Project 

 

Notes of a Sculptor

 

An artist is part of a society irrespective in which part of the world he lives and works. Such society, through its activities, its structures, its values and its aspirations forms the basis from which the artist takes his inspiration. It is from within the confines of such a society that an artist has to develop into maturity. He is either offered the opportunity to grow or being restricted.

Irrespective whether an artist sources his subject matter from around himself or from within, it can and will never be without influence from the society that shaped him into the person he is. For this he can either be appreciative of, or critical about.-  Gert Potgieter.

Background:

Establishment Blues Project Continued has its origin from the Establishment Blues exhibition held at the Elno Art Gallery in November 2013. The works; Marikana  2013 and Unemployment 2013 that were exhibited then ,initiated the continuation  of sculptural inquiry into political and economical complexities within the South African context and the manifestation thereof in the social and cultural environment of those most vulnerable and exposed. 

 

Sculptural Approach:

 

In order to maintain relevance to subject matter it was decided to dedicate the works to those most vulnerable and exposed. It is essential for them to understand and appreciate the endevour. These works are not about exploiting the artistic form of the subjects to entertain those directly or partially responsible for their predicament. These works will not intimidate but rather associate. These works will not alienate but rather create comfort.  In order to achieve the latter requires a sculptural approach that can be appreciated by people who have been alienated from the arts for most of their lives. As a works progresses the opinion of these people are continually sought and their reactions monitored. Works often have reference to decorative ornamentation within households where they either live or work. Work has strong reference to the natural world with a predominant utilization of the figurative form (Realistic reference).

 

Technique:

 

Welded metal sculpture requires tools and techniques well known in the industrial environment and often within the skills capability of some of the subject matter. Although mostly totally ignorant about the arts, the technique provides comfort, association and together with realistic reference serves as a method to measure artistic skill and achievement. 

 

The role of the artist:

 

The artist is both an observer and interpreter often of subject matter he is totally divorced from yet by mere empathy or closely associated experiences have to manage sculptural life that is true and trustworthy. Some of the works has reference to the artist’s own experiences within the confines of the same socio- political circumstances without the association of other role players. 

 

Scale of the work:

 

The works are relatively small and can comfortably fit into any household. In order to maintain association with the subject matter it is essential that the work have to comfortably fit into an environment that is within their reach.  

Works thus far completed:

 

A Tree will Grow (2013)

Abandoned Church (2014)

Abba Nanny (2014)

After the Storms (2014)

Drilling (2014)

E-toll   (2014)

Skouspel (2014)

Some Animals are More Equal (2014)

Against the System (2014)

Vote (2014)

Waiting Room (2014)

William Skosana (2014)

The Patient, the Doctor and the Accountant (2014)

Pick-up Point (2014)

Silent Child (2014)