Collectivism at work in Knysna

KNYSNA NEWS - This week is the last chance for art collectors and aficionados to see The Exhibition, still on display at Knysna Mall until 29 January.

Knysna Mall has been home to an eclectic mix of works by five local artists for the past two months, with The Exhibition set up as a pop-up shop filled with arts and crafts.

The Exhibition is a collective effort by local artists Richard Henley, Madelein Marincowitz, Lesley-Ann Hoets, Brett Baker and John Ross to market their art themselves.

The concept of The Exhibition was promoted by artist Richard Henley after he closed his shop earlier this year. He wanted more time in his studio to practise his art, and had seen the principle of working in a collective at work in Mozambique years ago.

"They would get more out of [collective exhibitions] than if they were to display through a gallery," he said.

Henley called on fellow artists in Knysna to begin forming their own collectives. "The idea was to pool our time, our resources and talents," he said. "Everyone has their own talents, and they play to those talents."

Sculptures and crafts of all kinds in the shop.

The artists man the shop themselves, which affords them more time in their respective workshops and studios, and also grants members of the public the chance to chat to the artists about the works on display.

With just over a week to go in the exhibition, Marincowitz said it has been a good time for the artists thus far. "It's been great, and above expectations, especially over Christmas and New Year," she said.

"We received very positive feedback and reception from the public. There have been new works added to the exhibition along the way, so there is still lots for people to see."

The Exhibition will be on show at the Knysna Mall opposite the Dis-Chem entrance until 29 January, during mall hours.

Photos: Blake Linder