Adele van Heerden ‘Field Trip’
Main Gallery, 151 Jan Smuts Avenue Parkwood
26 March – 23 April 2022
WALKABOUT BY THE ARTIST – Saturday 23 March @ 11:00
Field Trip is an exhibition of paintings, unique watercolour transfers and an edition hot-off-the-press by Cape Town-based artist Adele van Heerden. Her unique way of drawing and painting on architectural drafting film produces images that have both graphic and ephemeral qualities. The use of film gives the impression of either early morning or late afternoon light. Van Heerden juxtaposes the natural world with human history, and is particularly interested in the interaction of botanical and natural elements with the urban, the architectural, the material culture of our society.
The works on show recall her month-long residency with David Krut Projects in June/July of 2021, where she sought inspiration from the green lungs of the city.
“One of the first sights I went out to see upon arrival in Johannesburg was the Greenhouse Project in Joubert Park. I was particularly affected by the juxtaposition between the busy, urban setting, with brutalist high-rises all around, and the tranquil space inside the garden and greenhouse. There were even beehives, mirroring the gigantic block of flats (also resembling) beehives just outside the perimeter of the park.”
Often heralded as the largest man-made forest, Joburg is home to many a plant-filled nook and cranny. Those familiar with the city will recognise in these works locations in which residents find respite from the dense concreted landscape. Van Heerden highlights quiet scenes, often framed in such a way to feel like one is looking sideways or glancing up, in places like Maboneng, The Wilds, Victoria Yards, The Greenhouse Project at Joubert Park, and the Melville Koppies.
Join us for the opening and walkabout by the artist on 26th of March 2022 from 10am-3pm.
Read more about Adele van Heerden’s collaboration with David Krut Projects, listen to a podcast about her residency, and view her body of work on the David Krut Portal.
