Hello, Hi, Howzit, Yo!

KWAAI vol.3 is now going into its second iteration for the month of July. We have two really exciting announcements coming your way – so please do keep an eye out!

We have also updated the exhibition with a virtual ‘rehang’ of new works and refreshed the space a bit – you can view it all from the comfort of your home here.

KWAAI vol.3 artists have been featured on the National Arts Fest online virtual fringe. So you can now view the exhibition here too!

Urban Khoi Soldier The Archetype, 2020 Acrylic on Cape liner paper 76.5 x 32.5 cm

Urban Khoi Soldier is a Graffiti artist, hailing from the northern Suburbs of Cape Town. His art is originally inspired by all acts of documentation on wall surface. He is interested in creating art that reflects the authenticity only found in Cape Town, South Africa, Africa. He feels that we have seen what the worlds interpretation of graffiti looks like, which is why he explores the idea of a Cape Town Style.
The works presented in this exhibition, are episodes (frames) from a graphic novel UrbanKhoi is currently working on. You can read more about the work in our catalogue, here.

 

Urban Khoi Soldier Turntable Technician, 2020 Acrylic on Cape liner paper 76 x 33.5 cm

EC: What does the term ‘Kwaai’ mean to you?
UKS: The word Kwaai has always been a word of amplification. To me the word Kwaai is the natural next progression after ‘coolest’. Cool, Cooler. Coolest, Kwaai!

EC: This lockdown posed new challenges which required a new set of solutions, how has your process changed during lockdown, if it has?
UKS: Lockdown has indeed changed a lot of how we as individuals engage with one another. It has also enforced a reflection of the individual and his/her responsibilities, within certain spaces, towards the self, families, future security, well-being.

The restrictions on public freedom has most certainly effected the public mural and youth engagement projects, I’m involved in. However, as a artist, I have to be versatile In my means of expression. This period has allowed me to focus on smaller scale painting and illustration work. It has given me the opportunity to grow.

EC: Tell us about your experience with the virtual format of the exhibition?
UKS: My initial concern was that the virtual aspect may diminish the presentation of the artwork, as pictures never do justice to the actual sight of a piece. I expected that it would just be online pages with the flat images of paintings and artworks. However, I absolutely love the three dimensional character of the virtual space as well as the curated composition of how creatives are arranged together to create certain ambiance in each cubicle. The presentation in itself surpassed what I expected.

Emerge: The BoomBap, 2020 Acrylic on Cape liner paper 51 x 76.5 cm

EC: What rituals help you get creative?
UKS: I find art is so strange because it really isn’t just art, the painting, song , installation or whichever medium, is only a byproduct or result of this journey of discovering inspiration. Sometimes it’s as simple as a couple of sets of burpees to spike the energy levels for a session. Other times, It’s the creative genius of musicians, Great orators or mind boggling Scientific discoveries. One thing that has been consistent over the passed couple of years is establishing a good routine of gardening and exercise before any creative work happens for the day.

EC: Could you share your thoughts with us on what the role of both the artist and the art they produce might be in times like this.
UKS: There is the saying, we can be on the same planet, even in the same room, but we may be from two different worlds. Why I say this is because, yes, what’s happening in the world is terrible and very scary. That, however, isn’t the only reality that is occurring, just like what happening on the news, isn’t the only thing that’s happening in the world.

So perhaps an art movement will emerge from this, where all creatives paint masks and concepts of social distancing in the midst of interconnectedness. Hypothetically speaking, if something like this were to occur, it would be just another historical hype, and we know those. They become more boxes to summarise an expression and experience that really can’t even be articulated through art, but is more a feeling and knowingness.

The whole world structure is shifting, and art will be created. I just think art is valuable now, because there are many that do not regard themselves as victims of this world situation. So that in future ,artists get to see that yes, many were victims of this pandemic, but some used the pressure of that situation to bring forth even more value and inspiration, and technical skill and creativity than they would be able to in ‘normal’ conditions. That is the transformative character of the Alchemist. The earlier days of Lockdown brought up the age old idea: Give the ancient man of Africa a worthless piece of metal, and they will turn it in to gold. So place us into isolation, we become, sages, healers, powerful orators, magicians, philosophers, keepers of wisdom, mystic poets and artists.

Graffiti Can 2 2020 Aerosol & acrylic paint on aerosol can

EC: What is something you’ve relied on heavily during this lockdown period?
UKS: The One thing that has been most important to me is the Creative Faculty of my mind. Staying Creatively busy, with both my body and mind, has really balanced out the neg/pos energy ratio especially In very stressful environments.

 

We are incredibly encouraged by the reach and feedback of this year’s exhibition, we are running online until the end of July.

Thank you for all the wonderful feedback and support thus far! As ever, don’t hesitate to get in touch with any queries or thoughts!

View the updated exhibition catalogue with prices, we hope to hear from you should any work catch your eye!