Sunday, February 12, 2012

Artists, friends, and the glamorous stars of Generations mingled at the after party following the opening of Candice Breitz’s ‘Extra!’ at the Standard Bank Galleries in Johannesburg this week. Breitz, in a polka dotted Gianni Versace top, was clearly delighted to be back in her home country for this most brilliant of occasions.

‘Extra!’ was commissioned by the Standard Bank especially for this exhibition. In trying to decide what to make for the show, Breitz came up with the idea of asking Mfundi Vundla, who conceived the idea of Generations, now Africa’s biggest soap opera, if she could act as a white extra in scenes, totally ignored by the actors. Vundla agreed.

The resulting 35 minute video is a treat to watch. Sometimes wonderfully absurd, as at moments such as the one where Breitz’s white feet are centre camera and the caption reads: ‘There’s no bigger blessing than watching your child grow up’. Often provocative. What is that white woman doing there, hovering around?

It’s been a busy week in Johannesburg, with a great opening at the Goodman Gallery of their show ADVANCE last Thursday week. My piece is in the window facing Jan Smuts Avenue., and other artists include Mikhael Subotzky, Marina Abramovic, Moshekwa Langa, Alfredo Jaar and Candice Breitz.

I am also trying to start a new series of work, but more about that another time ...

I left Cape Town at noon on the day of the Goodman opening last week, but not before a quick dash into town at the invitation of artist/jewellery maker Gordon Radowsky to view the annual collection of beads brought to town by the bead man, Mr Sillah. The extraordinary beads, from all over Africa, covered an entire floor of a rented office space.

OMG. So beautiful. Just as well I had a plane to catch and couldn’t spend more than 45 minutes …