Artwork

Behoede jou

2017 Competition entry

Detail
Tags

Adéle Opperman

Details:

Pen
158 cm x 103 cm
Description:
The artwork resembles an ironic attempt to construct identity in a multi-dimensional world/country. Hopelessness is depicted by linking in the conservation of identity with the 'save the rhino'-campaign. The image of rhino is ironic because it's dehorned. Another layer of irony is that the rhino's defensive system, its horn, is the reason for its victimisation. Soldiers are often sent to places where people seldom go, the soldier is depicted as a toy soldier, which further emphasises the hopelessness of the situation. Similarly, different cultural groups aim to conserve their traditional heritage. Such attempts are often seen to be in contrast with the one-nation policies of our government. Embracing personal heritage is often seen as being contrary to embracing the general South African heritage.

The cup in the subject's hand is in contrast to the "African" rhino theme. This cup has Delft patterns on it, which is generally associated with Dutch graphic design from previous centuries. This could refer to the European descent of white people in Africa. As the subject is an Afrikaner woman, this pattern could evoke feelings of nostalgia or longing towards a time and place she never knew. This element is ironic though since the Delft pattern is depicted in black and white, and not in the customary blue tonal values.

Pen

Ooglopend

Detail
Tags

Adéle Opperman

Details:

Pen
158 cm x 103 cm

Description:
The artwork resembles an ironic attempt to construct identity in a multi-dimensional world/country. Hopelessness is depicted by linking in the conservation of identity with the 'save the rhino'-campaign. The image of rhino is ironic because it's dehorned. Another layer of irony is that the rhino's defensive system, its horn, is the reason for its victimisation. Soldiers are often sent to places where people seldom go, the soldier is depicted as a toy soldier, which further emphasises the hopelessness of the situation. Similarly, different cultural groups aim to conserve their traditional heritage. Such attempts are often seen to be in contrast with the one-nation policies of our government. Embracing personal heritage is often seen as being contrary to embracing the general South African heritage.

The cup in the subject's hand is in contrast to the "African" rhino theme. This cup has Delft patterns on it, which is generally associated with Dutch graphic design from previous centuries. This could refer to the European descent of white people in Africa. As the subject is an Afrikaner woman, this pattern could evoke feelings of nostalgia or longing towards a time and place she never knew. This element is ironic though since the Delft pattern is depicted in black and white, and not in the customary blue tonal values.

Pen