I was determined to see the Igshaan Adams exhibition, 'Weerhoud' at The Hepworth before it closed, and I made it with only days to spare! Adams is a South African artist, working with intricate tapestries and suspended 'dust cloud' sculptures, exploring 'the impact of lived experiences and trauma on the human psyche, and the healing potential of movement'. 'Weerhoud' is the Afrikaans for 'withheld' but what on earth that signifies I really don't know and, to be honest, I was none the wiser for having seen the exhibition. I did, however, find it very beautiful, both at a distance taking in the soft puffs of 'clouds' and the tactile woven fabrics, and examining the pieces at close quarters... a dreamscape.
(Read a more erudite review that does begin to make sense of the influences HERE. )
They are made from a huge variety of threads, cords, wires, beads, shells, fine chains and pearls, all woven together so skilfully that you wonder how anyone could have the patience and vision. I found it quite mesmerising and strangely moving. I'm very glad I went to see it.
Part of me was smiling, as the suspended clouds did vaguely remind me of those balls of hair and fluff I occasionally dig out from under my bed!!! But it was all far more beautiful than that.
Reminds me of tumbleweed, sprayed with sparkly stuff and brought indoors for Christmas - oh, no, there's granny's tangled jewel box, a good two hours' of sorting out for me. Whatever the meaning of the work I always like it when you come away from an exhibition thinking " Well, I've never seen anything like it before"
ReplyDeleteThey are certainly unusual and unique works of art. I think it is best to look at them as you did, in detail and from afar.
ReplyDeleteShould that exhibition ever make it to the textile museum in my town, I'll make sure to go and see it! :)
ReplyDeleteI suppose the word to use is ethereal, a tangle of thread beautifully put together.
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