In our latest issue, editor Nelia Andrag reflects on the creative journeys behind great work, and the inspiration that emerges through dedication and collaboration.
Art isn’t only about finished masterpieces. It’s also about the creative process. The inspiration. The hard work. With this in mind, we are proud to bring our readers a privileged glimpse into the creative work of world-renowned artist Marlene Dumas, written by the equally accomplished author Marlene van Niekerk, both alumni of the Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof.
Dumas was known for her tradition of giving illustrated birthday cards to her fellow students at Bloemhof, a gesture that reflected a generous spirit and early artistic promise. These miniature artworks are still treasured by many today, indicating that even then her peers believed that she would rise to prominence.
In her article, ‘(Un)Canny Facework in the Louvre’ (p. 42), Marlene van Niekerk sheds light on Liaisons, the work Dumas created for permanent installation in the French museum – the first contemporary female artist to receive this rare and coveted invitation.
The creative processes behind artistic achievements, ranging from design and photography to fine arts, are the focus in this issue of Stellenbosch Visio. As art and culture chronicler Adam Moss showed in his book The Work of Art (2020), great work frequently takes place thanks to an arduous process of abandoned drafts, crumpled-up sketches, revisions and – quite often – collaborations.
The Spier Arts Trust (p. 74) knows the value of collaborations and makes it possible for South African artists to thrive by offering them vital support and resources.
This kind of support is also what up-and-coming young talents spoke to Karla de Bod about in her article ‘Local Creatives that Inspire’ (p. 80). In our fashion feature ‘The Artists’ Way’ (p. 50), we combine fashion with art, turning artists into models and inviting them to talk about the individuality that shaped their own work. During the shoot, architect Rochelle Derksen told us about a letter of encouragement from the esteemed architect Hannes Meiring that she received as a student. This became a significant source of motivation and inspiration for her throughout her career.
Living in the Western Cape, we cannot help but take inspiration from the magnificent nature surrounding us. Staying in De Hoop Villa in the eponymous nature reserve allowed Magriet Kruger to step into nature and out of the ordinary (‘Nourished by Nature’, p. 102).
It was an unforgettable mountain-bike race in Costa Rica 23 years ago that led to Kevin Vermaak launching the gruelling Cape Epic. In ‘Wild. Untamed. Winelands’ (p. 106), Jacques Marais tells you where you can catch the best Epic action this year.
Inspirasie is waar jy dit vind. Emile Joubert put vir hierdie uitgawe besieling uit meer as een glas wyn om oor veranderende wynmodes te filosofeer in ‘The Wine Wheel Turns’ (p. 92).
Kirby van der Merwe se agterblad oor ‘Die Sagte Verslawing van Blokkiesraaisels’ (bl. 120) het weer sy sobere oorsprong by ’n slinkse verslaafde wat hy op die lughawe sit en dophou het.
Al hierdie kreatiewe bydraes het my van nuuts af aangespoor. Ek tel Marlene Dumas se Intimate Relations van my koffietafel op, en raak weer vasgevang tussen die blaaie. Daarna haal ek Marlene van Niekerk se Agaat uit die boekrak. En ek sê dankie vir die vreugde wat harde werk deur talentvolle mense vir ons bring. Ook hier in Stellenbosch Visio.
Share your thoughts with Nelia and send an email to editor@stellenboschvisio.co.za.