Both physical presence, a
How does one present a show that is expansive and yet retains coherence and intimacy? How does one curate a group show that affords each individual artist a platform that enables each artist their most authentic artistic expression? How can group shows provide space for the works to converse with each other? And how do you not fall into the trappings of lazy labelling through the stratification of artists by gender, race or geography, thereby failing to capture the depth of the work and what it seeks to communicate?
These questions are precursors to any group show.
In its own take, Stevenson Gallery is currently exhibiting Both, and, a show that opened at both gallery locations in Cape Town and Johannesburg, and will remain open until August 22 and 24 in each city respectively.
Both, and presents the work of over 50 artists represented by the gallery over a 15-year period: a montage, as it relates to the putting together of seemingly unrelated works and subjects. It is a visual representation of different artists’ respective journeys, as well as the gallery’s 15th anniversary celebration.
The exhibition is resonant — showcasing the conceptual and experimental, the abstract and the alternative, the mystic and the hyper-detailed, allowing us to contemplate works through the passage of time.
In a world that accentuates difference and honours absolutes and dichotomies, a sensitivity towards transience and non-dualism is refreshing.
In explaining their reasoning behind the title, on its website, the gallery asserts that: “The title positions this exhibition as an alternative to an ‘either/or’ way of thinking, making room for a point of view that is multiple, mutable and inclusive.”
Both, and ideologically echoes in the work of Father Richard Rohr, a celebrated ecumenical teacher who is known for his work around non-dualism.
According to Rohr, a dualistic mind cannot process complex aspects such as infinity, mystery, grace, suffering, sexuality, death or love. In Dualistic and Nondual Thinking, he writes that “non-dual consciousness is a much more holistic knowing, where your mind, heart, soul and senses are open and receptive to the moment just as it is, which allows you to love things in themselves and as themselves”.
Curators of the show, Sisipho Ngodwana and Alexander Richards — Stevenson’s newest additions to its group of directors — are further challenging the notion of a gallery having to choose between positioning itself in the global discourse (with a commitment to art history) vis-à-vis its place in the market. Both, and attunes us towards complexity and a patience for nuance. It reminds us to leave behind notions of white and black and reach towards wholeness.
Stevenson Gallery is revered for representing strong conceptual artists, valuing ideas over conventional and conservative aesthetics. The gallery’s assemblage of artists includes such iconic names as Steven Cohen, Wangechi Mutu, Penny Siopis, Wim Botha, Meschac Gaba, David