The Durban University of Technology invites you to the opening night of Retrospective, an art exhibition by artist and Head of DUT Fine Arts Programme Anthony Starkey, which will take place at the University’s Art Gallery on Wednesday, November 13, 2013.
Starkey says the selection of works featured in this exhibition is indicative of his development as an artist and illustrates three central preoccupations of his: architecture, social commentary and representation/ abstraction.
Retrospective will be on show until Wednesday, November 20, 2013.
Exhibition Opening: Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Time: 5:30pm for 6:00pm
Venue: DUT Art Gallery, Steve Biko Campus
1st Floor Cecil Renaud Library Complex,
51 Steve Biko Road
Durban, 4001
Exhibition Dates 13 – 20 November 2013
Gallery Hours:
Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 4:00pm
Friday 8:30am-3:00pm
Artist’s Statement
This selected body of work illustrates the three central preoccupations of my artistic development; architecture, social commentary and representation/abstraction through painting, hand-papermaking and mixed media. The presence of the human figure is implied by its absence and manifests itself in the form of the viewer.
The central concern in the use of architecture as a subject matter has been the depiction of structures as both a reflection of change and of individual lives. This was addressed through the recording and interpretation of prominent and commonplace buildings on sites such as Block AK (Greyville), the Station Workshops, the City Hall precinct, the Point, Clairwood and the Berea.
The use of social commentary is associated with an ongoing preoccupation with history, especially South African history, as a site of investigation. The use of found objects with inherent personal histories, presented in glazed drawers, alludes to the categorisation of artefacts as historical records.
The preoccupation with representation/abstraction is evident to varying degrees throughout the body of work in a number of approaches ranging from photorealism, through naturalism and partial abstraction, to full abstraction.
One of the most rewarding periods of my art practice over the years has been the collaboration with my colleague John Roome, in the production and manipulation of handmade paper. This period of collaboration resulted in a conceptual and creative dialogue that resulted in a unique body of work.
The colleagues I have worked with and the students I have taught, during my tenure as a staff member in the department of Fine Art and Jewellery Design at Durban University of Technology, have provided me with a rich and stimulating context for my creative endeavors. I am indebted to them all.
-Naledi Hlefane
Anthony Starkey
A Temporary Lapse of Reason, 1992
Acrylic on paper
Collection: DUT ART GALLERY
Photo credit: D. Knudsen
