Artwork depicting corruption vandalised
AN ARTWORK depicting greed and corruption has been vandalised at a non-profit art gallery in Bellville.
The piece is part of an exhibition by four radical and experimental artists called unbearable lightness that opened at the Art.B gallery last Wednesday.
The exhibition comprises sculptures by Rian Oliver, who won first prize in the Vuleka Arts Competition last year, paintings and found-object sculptures by his brother, Geert Oliver, photography by Tiaan van Deventer, and paintings by Markus Moon.
A work by Geert Oliver, titled Power Shower, created controversy before it was vandalised. Geert said the work was a reference to former president Jacob Zuma and “the corruption he represents”.
The work features a shower head and a protruding phallic object wrapped in a R200 note.
“A few of the works on display have a political edge and were done mostly by my brother Rian and I. Power Shower is one of the pieces that shows corruption at different levels,” said Geert.
Two days after the exhibition opened they found the R200 note had been stolen.
“Although it was disturbing, this also validates the art piece, which speaks of human greed and corruption.
The piece has since been repaired and the note replaced with stronger adhesives,” said Geert.
He said “art does not not always have to be decorative, it should be able to spark conversation”. The exhibition, at the Art. B gallery at the Bellville Library Centre, runs until May 4. Entrance is free.