Artists from all over the South Coast are taking hands in staging a unique art expo in Margate – the first of its kind in the country.
This will take place at the Margate Art Museum during the months of July and August this year.
The theme of the expo is ‘Japanese Wabi-sabi and Minimalist Art’ and five art disciplines will be entertained: wabi-sabi fine art paintings, ikebana floral art arrangements, bonzai tree art, kintsugi pottery art and minimalist sculptures.
Wabi-sabi is an ancient philosophy with its roots in Japan. It is fairly unknown in South Africa, but it boasts a loyal following all over the world.
“The concept of wabi-sabi motions one to constantly search for the beauty in imperfection and accept the more natural cycle of life. It reminds us that all things including us, and life itself, are impermanent, incomplete, and imperfect,” said organiser Johann du Toit.
He explained that wabi is about recognising beauty in humble simplicity. “It invites us to open our heart and detach from the vanity of materialism so we can experience spiritual richness instead.”
Sabi is concerned with the passage of time, the way all things grow, age, and decay, and how it manifests itself beautifully in objects. “It suggests that beauty is hidden beneath the surface of what we actually see, even in what we initially perceive as broken,” he explained.
Johann said that what will make this expo different from normal art exhibitions is that patrons will be encouraged so stand really close to the paintings, so that they can see the intricate details and touch the paintings, to feel the texture and to fully experience the various media used in creating the artworks.
With these principles in mind, a group of South Coast artists recently gathered to strategise and plan the expo.
Artists specialising in any of the five featured disciplines are welcome to contact Johann on WhatsApp 072 6037517 to secure exhibition space.
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