“Tales from the Mantelpiece” is an exhibition of small-scale sculpture by three contemporary artist jewellers based in Johannesburg – Philippe Bousquet, Geraldine Fenn and Marchand van Tonder. Sharing a common interest in found objects gleaned from antiques markets and junk shops, and fueled by a desire to produce more challenging conceptual work, the three have come together to collaborate on this exhibition, “Tales from the Mantelpiece”.

By using traditional jewellery and metalworking techniques, as well as more postmodern art making strategies of collage and assemblage, the artists have produced a body of work that is both aesthetically strong and conceptually engaged. All the works are strongly narrative, and there are many diverse tales being told.

Philippe Bousquet, originally an architect, has been making contemporary jewellery for the past ten years. His work for this show makes strong use of vintage found objects, with the idea of family identity and ancestors connecting the artworks.

Geraldine Fenn, also a jeweller for the past ten years, has a background in archaeology and art history. Using the form of the trophy and protective glass domes, her small sculptures play with themes of domestic life and preservation.

Marchand van Tonder studied jewellery at Stellenbosch University and has been involved in jewellery making and teaching since 1984. His work for this show, which is subtitled “Tales of Grim(m)”, investigates the darker side of traditional fairy tales.

Due to the generally small scale of the work, the viewer’s attention is drawn in to each piece in a very close, personal way. The result in a very intimate viewing experience, with the preciousness of the small works being highlighted. Each artist will produce a collection of 12 pieces.

The exhibition runs from 16 April to 16 May 2009.

BELL-ROBERTS GALLERY & PUBLISHING
T. +27 (0)21 465 9108
F. +27 (0)86 656 5931
E. info@bell-roberts.com
Ground Floor, Fairweather House, 176 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock, 7925, RSA
W. www.bell-roberts.com

Prospects of Babel is an exhibition of selected photographic images by, Pullitzer Prize winner, Greg Marinovich and Leonie Marinovich. These works are result of their collaboration with 3 other photographers for a book of the same title. The images explore life in the Democratic Republic of Congo; a country the size of Western Europe which is populated by approximately 250 ethnic groups using over 700 languages and dialects. This is a country of tremendous wealth in natural resources, yet it is one of the poorest countries in the world.

Concentrating on two interlinked themes – money and God, Greg’s work captures the sense of the foreboding that underlies almost all interactions in the volatile DRC. Leonie on the other hand captures two aspects of the DRC with her compelling work on mineral diggers as well as street life on the teaming streets of Lubumbashi.

The book will be available for purchase at the gallery.

The exhibition will run until 17 January 2009.

Bell-Roberts Gallery & Publishing
T. +27 (0)21 465 9108
F. +27 (0)86 656 5931
Ground Floor, Fairweather House
176 Sir Lowry Road
Woodstock
Cape Town
E. info@bell-roberts.com
W. www.bell-roberts.com

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