KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna Arts Society (KAS) and its members have once again planned, and worked hard to, showcase the 2024 UnBlocked Exhibition - all in good time for the Knysna Oyster Festival, which kicks off this weekend (21 to 30 June).
Every year the KAS creates a platform for the members to reveal their talent - on a 300x300mm square block. This does not limit them, and sculptures, digital and 3D art have made their way into the gallery.
This year's theme “The World is Your Oyster” left a wide scope for the artists, to imagine anything they feel and dream, and then convey through any medium.
What has stood out from the submissions, is the rich variety of themes and colours, literal and dream-like in topic, and they are definitely going to wow the public, says the KAS's Nina Malan.
In English, “the world is your oyster” means that you can do anything you wish to or go anywhere you want to in your life, because you have the ability to do so.
In spoken English, it is quite widely used to encourage someone to see that they have choices and can lead their lives in any way that they desire.
"Is this not what we all wish? It also goes hand in hand with hope and a positive outlook on life - something we all need in these fast-changing and turbulent times.
What I have seen in the personality of each of the artists, no matter their background - they all still know how to play and create and use art to escape and solidify their dreams and desires," says Malan.
This year's UnBlocked Exhibition will again be held at the Old Gaol, like previous exhibitions such as UnBlocked 2023 - "Monochrome". The society uses part of the historic building's inside space as permanent studio space and for exhibitions.
The Grand Opening is on 21 June at 6pm. With a mesmerising décor theme that will be revealed on the night by artist Faith du Plessis, this year’s curator, the event is sure to delight.
Music by Lani Groves will accompany the opening and refreshments will add to the social atmosphere.
Blocks will be for sale to the public, and while it kicks off on 21 June the exhibition will run for the duration of the Oyster Festival.
Gallery hours are from Monday to Saturday, 10am until 4pm.
The public are invited to attend the opening.
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