Big Read alking into the Living Arts Emporium (LAE) workshop at the Ellis Park Stadium, you know instantly that you’ve stepped into an artists’ workshop. There are life-size paintings lying haphazardly around the hall, works in progress, and some complete masterpieces too. LAE was founded over a year ago by Conrad Bo to promote contemporary art made in Africa by promising and talented young artists. “The venture was not planned. I was working at a run- down building in Maboneng when some artists came looking for space and LAE was born,” says Bo. Bo also happens to be the godfather of two art movements: Superstroke and Superblur. In the former, paintings and sculptures are executed using expressive, sometimes even violent, brushstrokes on parts of the painting and on the surface. “When mediums such as pens and pencils are utilised, they should be used in a manner that’s overly expressive to be considered Superstroke,” explains Bo. There are barcode lines visible throughout the paintings that employ this method. Subject matters such as Africa, light, dark, life and death are encouraged, and collages, stencils and calligraphy can be used for impact. Superblur, on the other hand, refers to a method of creating art using the definition of the word ‘blur’. It focuses largely on making the object or classification of the art unclear or less distinct, and pays great attention to elements that cannot be heard or seen clearly. “In these techniques the abstract barcode is the symbol of the Superblur Art Movement, just like the cube can be seen as the symbol for the Cubism Art Movement,” explains Bo. The barcode is important because it distinguishes Superblur paintings from other art movements such as Neo-Expressionism. The blurry photograph plays a big role in the execution of the Changing the world through art Superblur Art Movement. LAE is the home of many incredibly gifted young artists. One such artist is Ayanda Nkosi, who Art movements have become a huge global trend. They’re made up of collective titles given specialises in what she’s dubbed Modern Africanism. This is achieved by marrying Superstroke - to artworks and artists that share the same creative ideals, styles and time frame. Nwabisa geometric shapes, plus signs and primary colours Ngumbela caught up with some of the members of the Living Arts Emporium (LAE), who are - and Superblur. “This is the kind of art that encourages the viewer to stop, observe and think,” quickly and wonderfully changing the way we view art says Nkosi. Ayanda’s colleague, Simphiwe Mlangeni, www.joburgstyle.co.za | 35 Big Read Big Read says he got his love of art from his father, who was a sculptor. “My father spent most of his time in his creative space and I feel privileged that he allowed me to be a part of his world.” Langeni practised drawing and sculpting by looking at his father’s sculptures and after high school he decided to pursue a career in fine art. While the other artists noticed their gifts at a young age, May Wentworth realised her vocation was art in university. “I knew I was an artist when I attended my first year as a fashion design student and simply loathed the sewing and technical courses, but couldn’t get enough of the drawing courses.” When her lecturer Andreas Schonfeld saw this, he recommended that she switch to Fine Arts. Wentworth specialises in painting; her favourite medium is acrylic paint on canvas. “I love the immediacy of acrylic paint, it feels magical seeing textures and colours come to life on a blank canvas, and my greatest pleasure is the process of mark making.” Another remarkable artist is Vincent Osemwegie from Nigeria. He’s recently had his first solo exhibition at Arts on Main, a series of ballerina paintings inspired by South Africa’s first black ballerina, Kitty Phetla. Phetla the first black woman to star in the theatre production Black Swan. “I discovered Kitty at a formidable time in my life,” explains Osemwegie. “I was touched by the stuff that she had endured to end up being cast as the leader of Black Swan. At the time I was in a rough place in my life, and Kitty revived my passion for art.” Osemwegie’s paintings incorporate ‘paint drips’, a skill he accidentally discovered. The method begins by a sketch of what the artist intends to paint and is followed by varied lines achieved by hovering the brush over the sketch lines on the canvas. There’s no denying the passion these artists have for their craft. It’s visible in their artworks. With a platform like LAE, we might just have a few masters on our hands. Catch these geniuses at work every Sunday and first Thursday of the month at Arts on Main, unit 18. And if you call in advance, you may just land yourself a private viewing. 011 402 2000 Clockwise from left Conrad Bo emulates his painting of Superstroke; Vincent Osemwegie stands behind a painting of Bantu Steve Biko; Ayanda Nkosi works her magic at the LAE workshop at the Ellis Park Stadium. 36 | www.joburgstyle.co.za www.joburgstyle.co.za | 37 The barcode is important because it distinguishes Superblur paintings from other art movements such as Neo-Expressionism. The blurry photograph also plays a big role in the execution of the Superblur Art Movement. From the top The LAE collective pose for a snap shot. Right: Two LAE artists doing what they know best. Left: Art displays at the LAE workshop. For more pictures, visit www.joburgstyle.co.za.