“I was interested in the lines, curves and shapes… and then it became a study on curvature and curvature within nature, not just an installation on curvature.” This is according to landscape artist Strijdom van der Merwe on his new abstract installation which comments on the ecological importance of trees. PHOTOS: Mia van der Merwe / DESIGN: Mia van der Merwe
An abstract installation piece installed at the Rupert Museum by South African award-winning landscape artist Strijdom van der Merwe, studied and depicted the interplay between art and nature. This is according to Robyn Cedras-Tobin, the director of the Rupert Museum.
The ‘Museum Saturdays’ program welcomed a variety of engaging activities, including workshops, exhibitions, and artist walkabouts. This is according to Grace Robile, receptionist at the Rupert Museum.
The installation ‘A Study on Curvature’ was unveiled on 16 May.
Van der Merwe took attendees on an interactive walkabout through his installation on 27 May, said Robile.
This installation grabs the attention of art and nature lovers alike, and the piece itself delves into the relationship between art and nature, said Cedras-Tobin.
Van der Merwe was commissioned to create an installation that interacted with the exhibition ‘Synchromies’ by Oscar Forel in AbstRacT: the hidden synchrony. This was according to Van der Merwe.
“Particularly thinking of Strijdom [van der Merwe’s] work and the way he approaches this, and the impermanence of it, we are all just human beings that have this little lifespan and we pass away and everything has a life cycle.” This is according to Robyn Cedras-Tobin, director of the Rupert Museum. PHOTO: Mia van der Merwe
‘A celebration of hidden art in nature’
‘Synchromies’ is a series of trees, documented in fine detail and presented as a “fragmented whole”, said Van der Merwe. “This entire installation fits together like a puzzle, and can be taken apart like a puzzle,” he explained.
“I zoomed in on wood shavings for inspiration, that would become something bigger than just shavings on the floor, and in that process, it took on an abstract sculpture form, embracing the same curves and lines that is seen in Forel’s work,” explained Van der Merwe.
“So my installation is inspired by Forel’s abstract work on intricate detail that eventually becomes the end product,” he said.
The installation consists of 3mm bended plywood, said Van der Merwe.
Oscar Forel’s ‘Synchromies’ had been sitting in the Rupert Museum’s storeroom for a while, waiting for the right artist’s work to help elevate it and make it relatable to the public. This is according to Robyn Cedras-Tobin, director of the Rupert Museum. PHOTO: Mia van der Merwe
Not permanent
Van der Merwe’s installation interacts with nature and what nature is, according to Cadras-Tobin. “But the duality there is also that we’re on a planet that is struggling and suffering because of human production,” said Cadras-Tobin.
“His art is just that unusual look back at the planet, and finding a way to be a part of it rather than to stand apart from it and exist,” Cadras-Tobin explained.
The use of natural materials highlights sustainability and re-enforces a stronger connection to nature, according to Nina Kay, spectator at the walkabout and teacher at the Green School in Paarl.
“It reminds me of something that’s made out of the earth… it’s not permanent, like the planet and its trees, which is cool,” said Kay.
‘A Study on Curvature’ will be on display until 1 October 2023, according to Robile.
“I drew inspiration from [Oscar] Forel’s series [‘Synchromies’] by just completely immersing myself within this gallery room,” said landscape artist Strijdom van der Merwe on his new abstract installation which comments on the ecological importance of trees. PHOTO: Mia van der Merwe