Under the Cover with Ed – Stevenson Gallery with Zander Blom
Wednesday evening, the Stevenson art gallery in Woodstock, presented Zander Blom’s latest exhibition: “New Paintings”…
Mia (my friend) and I headed to Sir Lowry Road at 18h00 and confidently walked into the art gallery crowded with artists, art-lovers, arty farties, art-minded-people and general art fans.
The Stevenson is a contemporary art gallery and fills its space with new exhibitions every 4-5 weeks. After buying a glass of cold and crisp white wine, Mia and I decided to take a slow stroll through the gallery. (Now Mia and I both have a history in art, but this exhibition was something quite different…)
Joburger Zander Blom has been working as an artist since he was the age of 20. Now, at age 30, he can boast with local and international exhibitions, both in solo and group contexts. Zander’s handy work includes printmaking, drawing, painting, installation and photography (especially as he uses this medium to capture and document a lot of his other works).
For the average Joe, Blom’s art is something out of the ordinary and takes effort to appreciate. But those who have the capacity and understanding to appreciate Blom’s artwork, are left standing in front of black and white images with mixtures of oil and acrylic paint displayed through the impasto technique. His artwork invites you to deeply absorb and fondly interpret each piece that also speaks of strong abstract expressionism.
Mia and I also decided to be creative in the abstract atmosphere and as Blom’s pieces are all untitled, we made it our evening’s work to name some of Blom’s art hanging on the walls.
We came up with names such as: The Pavlova. Fist protruding from the water. Spanish Dancers. The reconciliation of the birds. Zebra road-kill. And many more…
We had so much fun laughing and listening to each other respond off Blom’s artwork- and isn’t that what it is all supposed to be about? Allowing your own imagination, senses, perceptions, outlooks, connotations and ideas be challenged by something new? Something abstract and totally amazing?
I left the Stevenson with a smile that night and while driving home, felt inspired to explore new creative dimensions, take the time in my day to interpret something small no matter how insignificant it may appear and then suddenly felt the urge to drive (immediately) to the nearest Spar and look for small puffy and sugar sweet PAVLOVA!!
Where to go:
Stevenson Gallery
Buchanan Building
160 Sir Lowry Road
Woodstock 7925
When to go:
Monday to Friday 9h00 to 17h00, Saturday 10h00 to 13h00
Zander Blom exhibition: 5 September – 13 October 2012
Wishing the Stevenson and Zander Blom a wonderful time of exhibition and joyful appreciation…