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Nkhensani Rihlamfu is a young South African artist who creates imposing figurative sculptures using hand-woven calico ropes - NSC Visual Arts - Question 5 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 5
Nkhensani Rihlamfu is a young South African artist who creates imposing figurative sculptures using hand-woven calico ropes. These faceless figures represent the maj... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Nkhensani Rihlamfu is a young South African artist who creates imposing figurative sculptures using hand-woven calico ropes - NSC Visual Arts - Question 5 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Why do you think Rihlamfu creates faceless figures?
Answer
Rihlamfu creates faceless figures to emphasize the anonymity and collectivity of the low-paid labourers. By removing individual features, the work symbolizes the loss of individual identity and personal struggle within a broader socio-economic context. This approach invites viewers to reflect on the essential role these individuals play in society and how their hard work is often unrecognized.
Step 2
How do all the materials used by Rihlamfu create texture and rhythm?
Answer
The materials Rihlamfu employs, such as hand-woven calico ropes, contribute to a rich tactile experience. The varied textures of the ropes and strips of fabric create a dynamic surface, while their repetitive use establishes a rhythmic quality. The interplay of rough and smooth textures, along with the tension in the way the fibres are arranged, adds to the overall physicality of the sculptures.
Step 3
How do the visual elements presented in FIGURE 5a contribute to the meaning of the title?
Answer
In FIGURE 5a, the combination of loose fabric and the way the figure is constructed serves to highlight the burden of labor. The title 'Remains of Democracy' suggests a critique of the socio-political landscape, where the weight of this burden is borne by those laboring quietly. The visual elements, including the posture and fabric arrangement, symbolize a struggle against the backdrop of societal expectations.
Step 4
How does Grobler's use of discarded and found objects in FIGURE 5b add to the dreamlike and surreal quality of her work?
Answer
Grobler's use of discarded objects creates a surrealistic narrative, blending familiar elements into a dreamlike context. The juxtaposition of unrelated items allows viewers to create personal connections and interpretations. This method enhances the surreal quality of her work, inviting contemplation about the meanings behind consumerism and the human experience.
Step 5
Identify the objects used in FIGURE 5b that show power. How do these refer to the power of consumption?
Answer
In FIGURE 5b, objects like an electric bulb and a halo demonstrate power symbolically. The bulb signifies enlightenment and the role of technology, while the halo represents a source of energy and divine guidance. Together, these elements critique the social implications of consumption, reflecting how material needs can dominate and shape lives.
Step 6
In her title she references Christianity (Personal Jesus). Do you think this artwork has a religious/spiritual quality? Substantiate your answer.
Answer
The reference to Christianity in 'Personal Jesus' invites a spiritual interpretation. It suggests that the artwork transcends mere consumer critique, addressing deeper existential questions about faith, identity, and purpose. The axis of spirituality in consuming objects invites viewers to find meaning beyond the material, suggesting that personal connections to faith can offer solace in a consumer-driven society.
Step 7
Write an essay on the work of TWO contemporary South African artists (ONE artwork per artist) that use new/alternative media to create a powerful message.
Answer
Artist 1: Nkhensani Rihlamfu
- Artwork: Remains of Democracy
- Influences: Rihlamfu is influenced by socio-economic issues in South Africa, focusing on marginalized communities.
- Art Style: Contemporary figurative sculpture that engages with traditional materials in a modern context.
- Media and Techniques: Utilizes hand-woven calico ropes to construct forms that symbolize labor and struggle.
- Meaning/Techniques: The use of faceless figures serves to underscore the anonymity of labor, compelling viewers to reconsider their perceptions of work and identity.
Artist 2: Isabelle Grobler
- Artwork: The Cannibals' Concupiscence: Personal Jesus
- Influences: Grobler draws from post-consumerism and the surreal, interrogating society's dependency on objects.
- Art Style: Surrealistic assemblage that mixes found objects with personal narratives.
- Media and Techniques: Employs discarded materials to create complex sculptures that challenge the viewer's understanding of power and identity.
- Meaning/Techniques: This artwork critiques the commodification of spirituality and personal experience, representing how material culture intrudes on deeper human connections.