Southern Guild presents Spring Awakening, a multi-sensory exhibition by more than 20 artists and
designers that will occupy the entire gallery, opening on 13 April 2022 (until 15 June). The exhibition
will encompass painting, sculpture, photographic work, ceramics, wearable art, textiles and sonic
pieces by artists from Southern Guild’s stable alongside recently joined emerging artists and invited
guests.
The concept for Spring Awakening arises from the idea of spring as a time of intense ecological,
physical and psychological change. Curator Lindsey Raymond invited artists to consider the role of
renewal and growth in their work, as well as their opposite – loss and decay.
“In springtime, the future is a thing that gleams within palpable reach like a ripe fruit ready to be
plucked from a tree. It signifies the starting growth of a new harvest, while occupying the liminal
space between a year almost passed and a year yet to come. In this way, it is a time of reflection in as
much as it is a willingness for a future ideal,” Raymond notes.
However, she adds: “This showcase beckons the more intriguing questions of what boils beneath the
surface too. Spring is as much a rebirth as it is a resurrection; particularly in light of the pandemic’s
dormancy of the past two years. The emotion of pure and authentic happiness cannot exist without an
experience of deep sadness to compare and define itself from – this is what theorist Jacques Lacan
refers to as ‘jouissance’ — a drive to feel ‘superabundant vitality’ (![]()
Seminar VII, 18 May 1960) and to
experience the excess of life beyond need. But, as Lacan cautions, this is also a ‘backhanded
enjoyment’ (![]()
Seminar X, 23 January 1963). Jouissance ‘begins with a tickle and ends with blaze of
petrol’ (![]()
Seminar XVII).”
This exhibition borrows its title from the play written by Frank Wedekind which tackles the fervent
suicide and queerness. First performed in Germany in 1906, the play is acknowledged for the macabre
spirit of comedy which underpins its tragedy. Erotic fantasies play out through hedonistic behaviours,
revealing the rawness and unquenched thirst of sexuality and the curiosity, shame and vulnerability
accompanying it.
Spring Awakening will be a journey for the senses that evokes the arc of human energy, from
wide-eyed innocence to transgression, loss and acceptance. Enriching the cross-pollination of art and
design are a number of new and invited artists, including painter and ceramic artist Jeanne Hoffman,
New York-based Egyptian artist Ghada Amer, photographer Lea Colombo, fashion designer Lezanne
Viviers, printmaker and painter Shakil Solanki, ceramicist Martine Jackson, tapestry artist Talia
Ramkilawan, furniture designer and fine artist Christine Jacobs, and jewellery designer and sculptor
Githan Coopoo.
Notable works include a pair of large paintings by Hoffman that are site-specific in their reference of
the gallery’s interior space, a trio of Brutalist-inspired ceramic sculptures by Jackson evoking the
fierceness and tenderness of feminine power, and a series of sculptural ceramic totems by Shirley
Fintz representing different elements of spiritual awakening. In addition, Mthatha-based artist and
igqirha Sisonke Papu will contribute a healing intervention that includes a photographic work and
“spiritual tech” soundscape, Justine Mahoney will show folklore-inspired figures in ceramic (rather
than bronze) and Beninese artist Dominique Zinkpè will show paintings and assemblage sculptures
made from carved wooden Ibeji dolls.
A number of Southern Guild artists will present work that explores new threads of interest. These
include a ceramic vessel inspired by a traditional African udu drum by Andile Dyalvane, a dramatic
chandelier made from glazed stoneware by ceramic designer Chuma Maweni, and a series of large
enamel paintings on glass by Jozua Gerrard depicting scenes of intimacy and comfort between young
lovers.
FEATURED ARTISTS:
Adam Birch
Andile Dyalvane
Cheick Diallo
Christine Jacobs
Chuma Maweni
Ghada Amer
Githan Coopoo
Jeanne Hoffman
Jozua Gerrard
Justine Mahoney
Lea Colombo
Lezanne Viviers
Madoda Fani
Martine Jackson
Navel Seakamela
NØDE
Porky Hefer
Rich Mnisi
Shakil Solanki
Shirley Fintz
Sisonke Papu
Talia Ramkilawan
