"Grime: Conceptualised and curated by Retha Erasmus"
2002-06-26 until 2002-07-27
Bell-Roberts Art Gallery
Cape Town, , ZA South Africa

The project, of which CLEAN formed the first part, was originally conceived as a dual/two-pronged exhibition. The fundamental principle was to have two exhibitions of conceptually sophisticated works augmented or altered by formal considerations. CLEAN, the first instalment was tinted towards desaturated white/light works; GRIME, the conclusion, is to be shaded towards desaturated dark/black works.  

The same group of artists are asked to participate with two replacements. As was the case with CLEAN the basic premise of GRIME falls on producing colourless art works. In this case artists are requested to produce works of art that are mainly/ exclusively black/ dark toned, provided that the tone is not hued in any dominant way. The brief in this regard is quite open – you are free to approach the brief conceptually. The only conceptual limitation imposed is that black should not be interpreted politically.

Artists should not feel it necessary to “ponder new personal horizons” (unless they want to of course) or be unsure of their approach. The concept of this exhibition does not necessitate a radically/fundamentally different approach, as none of the artists participating is primarily involved in formal considerations. All of you produce works with a dominant conceptual undertone, and therefore the limitation of visible elements imposed by the brief does not preclude your normal processes of work.

The curator has produced a catalogue combing both exhibition.  The catalogue reads from both sides: from one side CLEAN and from the other GRIME. In the middle biographies and portraits of participating artists.

GRIME is the follow-up exhibition to CLEAN which was exhibited at the Millennium Gallery in Johannesburg last year.

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for South Africa

Other Important Exhibitions in South Africa