AT FEATURE: SCULPTX 2023 | The Largest Annual Sculpture Fair In The Country

The Melrose Gallery is pleased to announce the launch of the 6th instalment of SculptX, the largest sculptural fair of its kind in South Africa. This year, it presents over 200 works crafted from an array of eco-conscious materials, ranging from reclaimed wood and recycled glass to sustainable bronze, and responsibly sourced stone. In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, SculptX not only showcases the versatility of the traditional art medium but also highlights the dedication of South African artists to sustainable practices. Additionally, the fair explores figurative works that celebrate the human body, pay homage to the natural world, or delve into the built environment. In contrast, abstract sculptures captivate the viewer with their form, texture, and lines, offering a sensory feast.

At its core, SculptX offers a platform for African sculptors to present their artistic narratives to a wider audience. It serves as a dynamic stage where these artists explore the boundaries of form, space, and concept, reflecting their rich cultural backgrounds and individual artistic journeys. SculptX 2023, will be running from the 1st September to 31st October 2023.

The Melrose Gallery, known for its steadfast support of emerging and established artists, actively promotes and sells the exhibited works. Through the gallery, associated events, online platforms, newsletters, and various activations, SculptX provides a remarkable opportunity for artists to connect with collectors, curators, and fellow art professionals. SculptX 2023 is not just an isolated event; it continues The Melrose Gallery’s commitment to showcasing the finest contemporary art from Africa. This event reminds one of the pivotal role that galleries like The Melrose Gallery play in nurturing artistic talent and providing a stage for emerging artists to share their voices and visions. Galleries are vital in fostering the growth of the art world by offering artists opportunities to exhibit their works and gain recognition. SculptX embodies this spirit, cultivating new artistic voices and encouraging the diverse and inclusive landscape of the art world.

Exploring Themes at SculptX 2023

Sustainability Artworks

In the ‘Sustainability Artworks’ category, artists explore sustainability through their narratives and the mediums they work with. These artists, much like nature itself, emphasize the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. By delving into this cycle, they also address critical issues such as poverty, rectification, and racial injustice, all while advocating for climate justice.

At the heart of their work is an acknowledgment that a significant part of the problem lies in our lack of awareness, which often leads us to overlook the sensory and emotional connections we have with the environment and nature. This awareness gap highlights a deep sorrow that exists within humanity, one that is reflected in the challenges faced by Mother Nature herself

Sculptures Exploring Movement

In the following catalogue “Sculptures Exploring Movement” the artists employ their craft to depict dynamic expressions. Through their innovative works, they seek to convey the inherent fluidity of motion, capturing the grace and energy associated with various forms of movement. These sculptures transcend static representation, providing viewers with an opportunity to engage in a study of kinetic artistry, where the interface between sculpture and motion is systematically examined, offering a nuanced exploration of movement encapsulated within the realm of art.

Story Meets Medium

In this section, we delve into the realm of narrative sculpture. These artists demonstrate a distinct ability to convey stories and narratives through their sculptural compositions. Each sculpture serves as a vessel for a unique narrative, facilitating a comprehensive exploration of visual storytelling. These practitioners utilize the sculptural medium as a conduit for the expression of emotions, historical contexts, and imaginative narratives, offering viewers an opportunity to engage with multifaceted stories in a tactile and visual format. This section serves as a platform for a thorough examination of the intersection between sculpture and narrative, shedding light on the intricate techniques sculptors employ to convey compelling and meaningful stories.

Form

The “Form” category, artists engage with the fundamental elements of sculpture: form, space, and composition. They challenge and reevaluate these aspects in their works. Notable academic writers like Rosalind Krauss and Clement Greenberg have explored the concept of form in sculpture, contributing valuable insights to this field. These artists invite viewers to contemplate how sculptures exist within three-dimensional space, enriching the ongoing discourse on sculpture’s essence and its relationship with its surrounding.

Reflections

In the ‘Reflections’ section, artists engage in a nuanced exploration that melds tradition and self-examination. Much like the enduring verses of African poetry, reverberating across generations, these creators navigate the complex terrain of heritage and identity. Their sculptural endeavors serve as allegorical narratives, inscribed in the annals of time, emblematic of resilience, transformation, and critical introspection. Each sculpture serves as a reflection, offering a profound examination of historical continuities and contemporary reckonings. ‘Reflections’ emerges as an inquiry into the role of art as a reflective surface, illuminating the enduring traditions that inform our cultural landscape while amplifying the voices that seek to deconstruct established narratives.”

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:

Alan Ainslie, André Stead, André Prinsloo, Anita Finken, Annemie Odendaal, Arno Morland, Ben Tuge, Bercia Roos, Bridget Modema, Bulumko Mbete, Candice Kramer, Carl Roberts, Carol Cauldwell, Cassian Robbertze, Cecilia Wilmot Ballam, Ciara Dunsby, Clive Sithole, Corne Du Plessis, Cornelia Stoop, David Hlongwane, Debbie Farnaby, Diana Miller, Dominique Albinski, Elizabeth Balcomb, Esther Mahlangu, Gill Glyn-Jones, Gordon Froud, Hannelie Coetzee, Heike Taschner Jeske, Heike Davies, Hendrien Horn, Ilana Seati, Irvin Nkwanyana, James Cook, Jenny Nijenhuis, Jo Rogge, Joanne Mcgilvray, Kathy Robins, Keith Zenda, Keith Calde, Kennth Shandu, Kganya Mogashoa, Landia Davies, Lebohang Motaung, Louis Chanu, Luyanda Mkhize, Malebogo Molokoane, Marieke Prinsloo, Maritza Breitenbach, Mark Chapman, Mark Swart, Martli Jansen Van Rensburg, Mhlonishwa Chiliza, Nicola Roos, Nindya Bucktowar, Olwethu De Vos, Phahlo Mtangai, Philiswa Lila, Phillipah Rumano, Phumzile Buthelezi, Pierre Fourie, Pitika Ntuli, Rirhandzu Makhubele, Sahlah Davids, Samuel Allerton, Sandro Trapani, Sarah Richards, Simon Zitha, Siyabulela Ndodana, St John Fuller, Strijdom Van Der Merwe, Tamary Kudita, Tawanda Mcdonald, Tay Dall, Thato Kokwana, Theophelus Rikhotso, Uwe Pfaff, Willie Bester, Wilma Cruise and Zenande Mketeni

For those unable to attend in person the exhibition please use the link below to access the online exhibition

https://themelrosegallery.com/sculptx_1/

Or for more information contact craig@themelrosegallery.com

Keith Calder, Attitude, Bronze

AT FEATURE: SCULPTX 2023 | The Largest Annual Sculpture Fair In The Country

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:

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