Art Poetica in Wonderland Exhibition
On Friday evening an impressive crown of art lovers and supporters of all ages gathered at the Centurion Arts Association for the combined book launch and art exhibition – Art Poetica in Wonderland. Members of the Centurion Arts Association were invited to interpret poems written by Karlien van der Merwe and to create artworks in response to her work.
The result was a large, colourful, mix-mach exhibition of thought-provoking paintings, drawings and mixed media artworks. Despite the fact that the artworks were created by amateur artists, the exhibition opening was attended by a good few hundred people, many of whom were participating artists or family of participating artists.
The sense of community and mutual commitment to the success of the event was beautifully evident. Mothers walked in with plates of eats, kids, all dressed up for the occasion, were pointing out their works to grandparents and the general happy hum was almost impossible to quieten down for the speeches.
The opening address was given by Dr Ian Roper followed by Karlien van der Merwe who introduced her new collection of poetry ‘Ars Poetica’ with a moving speech in which she explained that ‘brokeness’, something we are all familiar with, is a central theme in her work. The poet says that her work is strictly non-fiction and that without addressing our pain, we remain in fairy tales From the rich response to this initiative by the Centurion Arts Association, it seems that the poet’s theme is one that certainly sparked the imaginations and attention of many who despite their shared understanding of ‘brokeness’ could celebrate creativity as wholesome community.
The exhibition will be on until 21 February 2013. For more information you can contact Johanna Prinsloo 082 838 0750. Karlien van der Merwe will be available for book sales and signing at the Centurion Arts Association, this Friday 15 February at 13h30. The Association is at the CAAB Building, Corner Cantonmments and Unie Avenue, Library Complex, Lyttleton.