Gavin Jantjes, born 1948, South Africa Search this
Medium:
Ink on paper
Dimensions:
H x W x D: 70.7 × 104.4 cm (27 13/16 × 41 1/8 in.)
Type:
Painting
Geography:
South Africa
Date:
1990
Label Text:
This drawing is concerned with concepts of the mind and the constellation Hydra, the snake. In some African cultures the snake symbolizes the speed of thought or lightning.
When researching ideas for this drawing, which is part of his Zulu series, Gavin Jantjes referred to his sketchbooks and notes on astronomy, Khoi San rock painting, and collections of words.
Description:
Ink on paper painting depicting a circular grid cut off at the bottom and showing constellations with humans, a snake and a ladder over a green and brown background with hints of blue.
Exhibition History:
African Cosmos: Stellar Arts, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., June 20-December 9, 2012; Newark Museum, February 26-August 11, 2013; Los Angeles County Museum of Art, August 23-November 30, 2014; Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University, Atlanta, January 31-June 21, 2015 (exhibited at NMAfA and Carlos Museum)
Insights, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., February 27 to November 28, 2004
Claiming Art / Reclaiming Space: Post Apartheid Art from South Africa, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., June 21-September 26, 1999
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