Unblocking Knysna's creativity

KNYSNA NEWS - For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, the Knysna Arts Society is running its popular Unblocked Challenge.

The challenge was run a few times before Covid-19 and was always a hit with artists.

The challenge sees each artist start with a white primed block of wood 215x215mm in size, and following a specific theme, they transform these blocks in their own unique way. This year's theme was "Fifty Shades of Green".

"Artists thoroughly enjoy this challenge, it is an opportunity to 'unblock creativity'," said Peta Bennett of the Knysna Arts Society (Kas).

"All have been busy transforming their blocks in their individual styles, mediums and theme interpretations.

"The results are as incredible and diverse as you can imagine, with classic oil paints, ceramics, sculptures, textile art and many other inspired works making their way to the Old Gaol Gallery in Queen Street."

All of the works will be on sale during the exhibition and Kas looks forward to welcoming art lovers to the exhibition opening on Thursday 26 May from 16:00 to 18:00.

Light snacks and wine will be served and Wendy Dewberry will be performing live.

In its totality, the exhibition will run on Friday and Saturday, 26 and 27 May, and then from Monday 30 May through Friday 3 June. The gallery hours will be between 10:00 and 15:00.

'Reflections of Knysna'

When the Unblocked Challenge for 2022 was announced, local artist Faith du Plessis of the Art House Knysna was immediately inspired. A block depicting the famous Knysna Loerie.

"Faith is a popular Knysna artist as well as art teacher - she gathered over 35 artists, 160 blocks and coordinated, guided and motivated each one to work on the installation," Bennett explained.

"Each of the blocks shows a special piece of Knysna, some with historical references, the ever-inspiring natural beauty, breathtaking landscapes, landmarks, flora and fauna that are unique to Knysna and even a few hints of the magical legends of Knysna."

The installation will be on display at the Old Gaol Gallery for the duration of the Unblocked exhibition and then moved to its permanent home at the Knysna Waterfront.

While the "Reflections of Knysna" pieces won't be on sale during the exhibition, art lovers can "adopt" a block.

"The adoption cost will contribute towards the costs of this project," Bennett said. "We will be dedicating a page of our website, to the project - this will include a list of the participating artists' names and information relating to the project as well as the names of everyone who contributed, sponsored and adopted a block."

Blocks can even be dedicated to loved ones or adopted by businesses. "You cannot take your adopted block home but will be able to visit it at the Waterfront at any time. We would of course like to thank the Knysna Waterfront for providing a special home for the installation."

You can visit the gallery during the exhibition or follow Knysna Arts Society on social media for more details on the project and installation.

The Knysna elephant is eternalised in this block.