Something quite different is happening in Riebeek-Kasteel, a quaint Cape West Coast village nestling in a sweeping valley surrounded by imposing mountains and dotted with vineyards and old churches.
The happening is an exhibition of contemporary art made by artists from the village and beyond. It is aimed at encouraging everyone, young and old, to reimagine their lives, hopes and dreams through the visual arts, using contemporary art as their tool.
The 10-day art dialogue includes painting, drawing and craft workshops for children from all backgrounds. A highlight of the event will be a giant mobile decorated with odd creatures and strange things created by children from the village.
Central to all this is Antwerp-based art curator and educator Gerd Dierckx, the founder of Rasa, a Belgian creative enterprise that focuses on encouraging children to view art in a different way by putting contemporary art in a central position in society, “right in the middle of children’s lives”.
The cover of Gerd Dierckx’s book. (Photo: Supplied)
“For me the word Rasa sums it up perfectly,” Dierckx says, explaining that it is an ancient Sanskrit word that describes the “aha moment” when one’s senses connect with art.
“It’s a passion and commitment that goes back many years and has opened my eyes to the immense curiosity that every child possesses, whether they are from a privileged city background or a poverty-challenged township near Soweto.
“It’s about embracing that curiosity and channeling that inquisitive energy into art in whatever form. But you need to start this process as the child is growing up – at an age when they are like sponges, ready for adventure, ready for new ideas.”
Findings XI, Ledelle Moe’s figurines made of concrete and steel. (Photo: Supplied)
Dierckx, author of the book Eyes for Art, which documents her 25-year worldwide journey of interacting with “and learning from children”, says adults “sometimes forget that art, through the eyes of a child, teaches us so much about what is deepest in their heart – it’s almost instinctive – and opens up so many important channels of thought and communication”.
South Africa is like her second home, she says.
“Twenty-five years ago, while on a visit to Joburg, I was introduced to the work of William Kentridge, and in particular to his impactful visual art work Shadow Procession. It moved me beyond words and since then I have used it as a springboard for many of my contemporary art workshops in Belgium, Holland, India and especially in South Africa in rural areas like Riebeek-Kasteel, Prince Albert and Knysna.
Wings take flight. (Photo: Supplied)
“I remember one nine-year-old from a terrible background of drugs, alcohol, poverty and abuse, who came to a primary school workshop in Riebeek-Kasteel.
“I got to know him over several weeks and saw him emerge as a creative thinker able to express through visual art the emotions that came from his heart – an angel with feathery wings, talking sticks, a devil of fire drinking from a bottle. It’s things like that you don’t forget,” says Dierckx.
She would love to see the Rasa message replicated in other small villages and communities in South Africa where children are often deprived of cultural stimuli.
“It’s something I believe in and will do whatever I can to make it happen.” DM
The theme of soaring and fluttering and allowing the imagination to escape gravity is what inspired Rasa to create Breathe, Breeze and Winged Things, an exhibition for small and big people, which forms part of this weekend’s Solo Studios event in Riebeek-Kasteel. On show will be the works of 14 visual artists: Ledelle Moe, Yael Davids, Johan Tahon, Karen Stander, Sonja Rademeyer, Mary Walker, Greta McMahon, Amy Rusch, Aldo Brincat, Edward Curtis, Emma Willemse, Luan Nel, Yoko Reijn and Virginia MacKenny.
The sports pavilion of the Riebeek-Kasteel Primary School. Find the entrance at 1 Hermon Road, until 16 August from 10am to 4pm. All activities are offered free of charge.
Find more information here: RASA – Art Connects; Solo Studios 2024 | ART INVESTMENT EMPORIUM
This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
