Artist, Mark Hilltout Manipulates Metal with Finesse
Nestled in the heart of Cape Town’s bustling art scene, lies a hidden gem – the studio of artist Mark Hilltout. Stepping into this creative sanctuary feels like entering a time capsule, where the echoes of history reverberate through the walls adorned with corrugated iron artifacts. Here, Hilltout’s unique artistic vision breathes new life into this humble material, transforming it into captivating works of art that transcend time and convention.
A Serendipitous Encounter with Corrugated Iron
Hilltout’s journey with corrugated iron began in the rugged landscapes of Madagascar, where he found himself captivated by the raw beauty of this versatile material. It was there that he crossed paths with a skilled artisan who could manipulate metal with finesse, igniting Hilltout’s curiosity and paving the way for his artistic exploration.
Fifteen years ago, Hilltout brought his fascination with corrugated iron to South Africa, where he established his workshop and embarked on a quest to unlock the hidden potential of this often-overlooked medium.
A Tapestry Woven with Stories
For Hilltout, corrugated iron is more than just a canvas – it’s a storyteller, whispering tales of bygone eras and forgotten landscapes. At the heart of his artistic practice lies the rich history of corrugated iron, first patented in 1829 by British architect and engineer Henry Robinson Palmer. The oldest sheets, nearly two centuries old, bear the marks of time – nicks, scrapes, bruises, and tears that tell stories of their own. When these aged sheets are stitched together, they form a unique tapestry of textures and colours, akin to old friends reunited in harmony.
Mark’s artistic process began with a pilgrimage to metal scrapyards as a young boy, where he sifted through piles of discarded rusty materials in search of hidden treasures. Now, he seeks out discarded corrugated iron sheets from all over Cape Town, some potentially over a century old. Out of a hundred sheets, only a handful are deemed suitable for his studio, chosen for their intriguing changes in colour, pattern, texture, grain, and patina. Each sheet holds a hidden history, revealed only after being flattened and cleaned, adding layers of depth and character to the artist’s creations.
In his studio, Hilltout and collaborating craftsman Nyasha Mashumba, curates a ‘library of iron,’ sorting sheets by hue to create a harmonious blend of colours and textures. The neutral dull-silvery grey of the iron contrasts with the vibrant hues of gnawing rust, ranging from warm orange to near-black umber. This juxtaposition of colours and textures reflects the artist’s keen eye for detail and appreciation of the unpredictable beauty found in the imperfections of corrugated iron.
Now represented by Axis Art Gallery, Hilltout and Mashumba’s creations are on display in his latest exhibition, “A Retrospective in Corrugated Iron,” which can be viewed in his captivating studio, dubbed the “Corrugated Iron House”, until the end of June 2024.
Craftsmanship as a Legacy
As Hilltout unveiled his latest exhibition, he reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave behind. For him, success is not measured in accolades or sales, but in the ability to inspire others to see the beauty in unexpected places. With each creation, he seeks to impart a sense of wonder and curiosity, inviting viewers to embark on their own journey of discovery.
One such protege is Nyasha Mashumba, whose mentorship under Hilltout has blossomed into a creative kinship. As they work side by side in the studio, Mashumba sees himself not just as an apprentice, but as a torchbearer for Hilltout’s artistic legacy. Together, they envision a future where corrugated iron continues to captivate hearts and minds, transcending borders, and bridging cultures.
A Testament to Resilience
As visitors meander through “A Retrospective in Corrugated Iron,” they are transported into a world where the past converges with the present, and art becomes a conduit for storytelling. Each piece in the exhibition bears witness to Hilltout and Mashumba’s unwavering dedication to their craft, as well as their profound reverence for the material that binds them together.
In the end, “A Retrospective in Corrugated Iron” is more than just an exhibition – it’s a celebration of resilience, reinvention, and the enduring power of creativity. Through their art, Hilltout and Mashumba invite us to look beyond the surface and discover the hidden beauty that lies beneath. For in the hands of these artists, corrugated iron becomes not just a medium, but a metaphor for the indomitable spirit of the human soul.
View the Exhibition: The Corrugated Iron House, 6 Ravenscraig Road, Woodstock, Cape Town.
Contact: Axis Art Gallery info@axisartgallery.co.za
Catalogue:
Aerial view of Shacks – 79 x 117 cm, Corrugated Iron
Pine Forest – 58 x 96 cm, Corrugated Iron
Twin Towers; Study 2 – 62 x 102 cm, Corrugated Iron
Washing line; Yellow and Blue – 64 x 93 cm Corrugated Iron
Going back home – 102 x 62 cm, Corrugated Iron