"Spot the Dog: A Sculpture-based Installation by Raymond Smith"
2002-05-01 until 2002-05-25
Bell-Roberts Art Gallery
Cape Town, , ZA South Africa

Raymond Smith’s first solo exhibition entitled “Spot the Dog” will be a sculpture-based installation using the canine species as a metaphor for the human condition. The family pet becomes the focal point in dealing with issues such as migration, immigration, the effects of violence and abuse of power. Reflecting on and drawing from their conflicting nature through which loyalty is only discarded when its space is threatened or for the sake of survival and food.

The age old discipline of manipulating clay provides the ideal material to capture the essence in character, touch and feel of each breed. After ageing and firing the once wet clay becomes stone which cannot be altered. In this work limited edition original slip-cast clay sculptures will be juxtaposed with a contemporary installation, commenting on and questioning aspects within present day society.

Smith’s frame of reference in earlier work started with an historical event exploring its impact on present day society. Past collaboration and group shows included pieces such as: Krotoa’s room, Castle, Cape Town and Lisbon, Portugal; Rhodes Memorial, AVA, Cape Town; Forced Removals, District Six sculpture project, Cape Town and Memorias intimas marcas, Fourth Edition, travelling international show.

Space, place, indigenous idioms and context is central to his theme as a practising interior architect/designer who works and lives in Cape Town.

Related Links:

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