VISUAL ARTS

BIENNALE TIME

The African Institute for Contemporary Art (AICA) will host the 2nd Johannes-burg Biennale 1997 from October 12 to January 18, 1998.

The first Biennale in 1995, marked South Africa's emergence from decades of cul- tural isolation. Artists and curators from 63 countries participated in the various exhibitions of an event that presented the dynamic discourse of contemporary art while reconnecting South Africa with the international art community.

DIRECTOR

The African and international context of the Biennale was an important conside-ration in the decision to appoint an artistic director to bring a specific vision and direction to the 1997 event. In June 1996 Okwui Enwezor, New York-based curator, art critic and publisher, was appointed artistic director.

The 2nd Johannesburg Biennale 1997 will differ distinctly from its predecessor in that there will be no national pavi-lions. Enwezor has invited and is working in conjunction with six inter-national curators - Hou Hanru, Kellie Jones, Yu Yeon Kim, Gerardo Mosquera, Colin Richards and Octavio Zaya - to put together specific exhibi-tions based on proposals submitted by the curators on the general concept of trade routes and history and geography.

The Johannesburg Biennale is adminis-tered by AICA, a project of the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Council.

USCAA MEETINGS

The Upper South Coast Art Association will hold their next meetings at 19h00 in the Activities Room of the Amanzimtoti Library on July 1 and August 5. New members are most welcome.

Phone Hendriett Wolmarans on 96-2029.

DANCA AND DUMA

The African Art Centre celebrate their new home with an exhibition of paintings by Welcome Danca and Sibusiso Duma, students of 1996 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner, Trevor Makhoba.

If you haven't visited the Centre's new premises on the first floor of Tourist Junction, you're missing something!

There's loads of space - the Centre is now able to lay out stocks that have been stocked away for years because of lack of display area - and the large room is bright and airy.

There's a marvellous range of beadwork, rugs, baskets and waistcoats as wel as beadcloth sculptures and wire baskets.

Phone number's the same - 304-7915.

TRANSFORMATIONS

Transformations

is the first solo exhi-bition of Clinton de Menezes, a higher diploma graduate of Technikon Natal, and is currently on view at the NSA Park Gallery in Bulwer Road.

De Menezes uses a variety of materials ranging from earth, paper, resin, paint and fat, all being important to him as the final image.

According to the NSA "he sees his work as dealing with the ancient art of alchemy, and it is this implication, of how the ordinary can be subtly altered; the banal transformed into metaphors for truth. It is the South African landscape which is the central subject of his work, and he uses the physical material from a site, and manipulates and transforms it into a final image."

NORTHERN MEANDER

This month's Durban North/Umhlanga Meander takes place on July 27.

Maps are available from Umhlanga Publicity or Durban Arts offices.

Contact HelŠne Griffiths on 52-6732.

NINGIZIMU WORKSHOPS

As a run-up to its A-4 Art Exhibition in October, Ningizimu School is holding workshops in different activities, ranging from painting to fabric painting.

There has been a positive aspect to the project: "We have attracted sponsorship from a number of companies producing a wide variety of products and services" says art teacher Robin Opperman. "With all the bad news stories in the media today, and despite the fact that we still have much sponsorship outstanding, companies have been exceptionally generous to us."

The motive behind the workshops and exhibition is to bring together main-stream and mentally- handicapped students as well as other artists in the community. Contact of this nature has been a great help in stimulating the creativity of Ningizimu's students and developing their artistic skills. Mutual understanding is also enhanced.

At the exhibition, workshop items will be on display. Interested parties are invited to compile work on A-4 sized paper, mounted or framed ready for hanging.

These works should be delivered to Ningizumu School by October 6.

For full details contact Robin Opperman at Ningizimu School on 469-0767/8.

WINTER EXHIBITION

Africa Art Gallery will host its Winter/July Exhibition from July 3 with new work from resident artists such as Errol Boyley, Christopher Haskins as well as from Francois Malherbe.

There is also new work from Isabelle le Roux and Pieter van der Westhuizen. It'll be "open house" from July 3 to 5 when coffee and cake or a glass of sherry will be served in the gallery. The exhibition itself lasts three weeks.

FEATURED

Audrey Fourie is this month's featured artist. Born in the Western Transvaal in 1940, she became involved with art and painting at an early age and went on to obtain a diploma in commercial art.

After her marriage she devoted her artistic talents to batik from 1961 to 1972 and when the family moved to the Namakwaland, she concentrated on oils and watercolour and studied under George Boys.

The west coast and its people inspired the development of her unique style and use of colours.

Since her husband's death, she has lived near Hermanus where her style is again influenced by the Overberg.