Two weeks ago I attended the opening of renowned SA artist, Willie Bester´s, new exhibition at the Barnard Gallery in Newlands, Cape Town. The opening speech was done by Albie Sachs who is a long time fan and friend of the artist´s.
Bester is an icon of South African art. His work is socially charged and manages to speak to local and international audiences alike, with many of his creations housed in private, corporate and public collections in SA and abroad. Bester has received a number of awards, including the Johnny Walker artist award in 2009. His main interest is to record events in South Africa in visual terms, making his innovative art an essential part of our national consciousness.
“My artwork deals with day-to-day aspects of our society, particularly political and social conditions. Children play a major role in many of my works. I track a very disturbing trend in the media as it reports on the escalating abuses, rape and murder of children at the hands of adults, sometimes their own parents.”
Since his first exhibition in 1982, Willie Bester has been regarded as one of South Africa´s most important resistance artists known for his mixed media installations made of found objects. He incorporates recycled material into his paintings, assemblages and sculptures, usually commenting on political injustices and human rights issues of the day.
For those of you who have an appreciation for art, do yourselves a favour and be sure to check out this exhibition at the exquisite Barnard Gallery. The exhibition will be on show until end of January 2011.
The Barnard Gallery, 55 Main St, Newlands, Cape Town. 021 671 1666
Below are a few images of Willie´s works of art.
Albie Sachs opens the exhibition
Spades with shoes
Domestic worker
Child soldier with Gas Mask
Nics
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