Illness Became Her – Solo Exhibition by Nathani Lüneburg

The solo exhibition “Illness became her” tells the story of my psychiatric struggles, or what can be described as brain disorders, which affect me daily and sometimes make life unbearable. After a year living in Potchefstroom, my condition worsened, prompting deep questions: why does this affliction appear without warning, and how do I find the strength to keep going? According to my doctor and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), I manage four disorders, each connected to specific parts of the brain: Temporal lobe Epilepsy causing Bipolar Type 2, Anxiety Disorder and Cognitive Disorder. Epilepsy is a chronic condition marked by recurring seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can cause changes in consciousness, involuntary muscle movements, and loss of bladder control which is very embarrassing, alongside emotional and behavioural changes. After seizures, I always experience postictal symptoms like confusion, fatigue, muscle pain, and cognitive issues. Unfortunately, there is a lack and empathy of understanding among the general public and even highly educated individuals towards these symptoms.

Henri Tajfel’s social identity theory sheds light on discrimination against people with epilepsy, suggesting that people categorise others based on shared characteristics like health status, influencing how they are treated. Bipolar disorder, often misunderstood and stigmatized as ‘crazy’, is another focus. Fritz Heider’s attribution theory explains discrimination against bipolar individuals, where behaviour is wrongly attributed to inherent traits rather than external factors. In my case, bipolar disorder affects neurotransmitter function, disrupting sleep and mood regulation. Important neurotransmitters involved include serotonin, dopamine, and others crucial for mood and cognitive function. Anxiety disorders, rooted in neurobiology, involve neurotransmitter imbalances and abnormal brain circuitry affecting anxiety levels. Cognitive disorders affect memory and cognitive function, reducing overall mental sharpness and quality of life.

My artworks, digital paintings with photomontages, prominently feature three characters, which is myself, Natty, the giraffe and Hegos the Hyena. Natty represents epilepsy warnings known as auras, and somehow become my guardian but also a prey of Hegos. Hegos represents the four psychiatrically conditions with great force and uses powers such as suicidal thinking, anxiety, and external pressure to increase my vulnerability for the illness. These artworks, colourful and monochromatic, visually capture the complex nature of neurological disorders.

The exhibition aims to educate the public about these neurocognitive disorders often stigmatised as ‘crazy illnesses’. After being diagnosed and leaving my job of twenty-five years, I hope to raise awareness that fluctuating emotional states are not mere mood swings but linked to complex neurobiological processes.

Rooftop XI – Take A Stand @Sandton Hotel

Take a Stand” offers a contemporary exploration of the concept of taking a stand, inviting interpretations that extend beyond the literal act of standing to encompass ideas of resilience, advocacy, and individual expression. Artists are encouraged to delve into what it means to take a standpoint through their sculptural creations, whether by challenging societal norms, amplifying marginalized voices, or celebrating the beauty of form and materiality. The artists explore the multifaceted nature of sculptures, delving into both their practical and conceptual dimensions.
Location:
The exhibition will be the next instalment (now in its 11th year) in a series of rooftop exhibitions hosted at the St. Lorient and The Viewing Room’s historic rooftop area, and although it remains under the branding of being a “rooftop exhibition”, the works will be displayed in the bustling piazza and inside the hotel, providing a dynamic backdrop for the featured sculptures. Surrounded by the energy of the city, this outdoor/indoor venue offers a captivating setting that enhances the dialogue between art and its environment. Visitors will be able to engage with the artworks in a communal space, fostering connections and conversations around the theme of: “Take a Stand”.

Curated by Sammy Muller and Kutlwano Monyai

“Blue Lips, Blue Veins” Exhibition Opening by Artists Daniel B Voster and Angelique Bougaard.

Blue Portraits Artist Statement

Being different is both a challenge and a problem we deal with daily. South Africans, in particular struggle with differences, due to our history of division and separation.
Our reaction to the difference we see is at best fear, and worst aggression. We struggle to see the person as they are and so miss seeing the similarities.
My response to the difference problem is to portray as many South African-born individuals as possible in a primary blue colour. Why blue? Firstly, it is a neutral colour not commonly associated with self-portraits and secondly, we all have blue veins regardless of our skin colour. At a deeper level, we all share the colour blue.
By using one colour it becomes a challenge to the viewer to try to differentiate between individuals. Viewers often struggle to apply stereotypical categorizations of race, gender, etc. when confronted with blue-coloured faces. I intend to remove some of the superficial differences to encourage the viewer to look deeper.
“Blue lips, blue veins” is a line borrowed from a song by Regina Spektor referring to blue being the most human colour.

Series Title: Blue Lips, Blue Veins
Medium: Acrylic on supawood
Artwork size: 40,5 – 45 cm
Individual name: untitled