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The artist, Sigalit Landau, decided to submerge a black dress in the Dead Sea - NSC Visual Arts - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 5
The artist, Sigalit Landau, decided to submerge a black dress in the Dead Sea. The black dress was submerged in the salt-rich waters for two months. The project is a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The artist, Sigalit Landau, decided to submerge a black dress in the Dead Sea - NSC Visual Arts - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
How has the dress transformed/changed over a period of two months? Motivate your answer.
Answer
Over the two-month period, the black dress submerged in the Dead Sea underwent profound transformations due to the crystallisation process. Initially, the dress was a solid fabric, but as it was impacted by the salt-rich water, it began to shrink and lose its original form. The most notable change was the accumulation of white salt crystals that formed a thick crust over the fabric. This transformation serves as a powerful visual metaphor for the effects of time, environment, and the persistence of nature, with the dress becoming increasingly encrusted and altered over time.
Step 2
Comment on the initial style of the dress and the symbolism created.
Answer
The dress features a long, elegant design with puffy sleeves and a frill around the neck, reminiscent of traditional Victorian styles. This choice evokes notions of femininity and historical representations of womanhood. However, as the dress becomes increasingly encrusted with salt, it symbolizes transformation and the impact of external forces. This duality—of a once-cherished garment becoming a relic of nature—also reflects themes of mortality, change, and the intersection between culture and nature.
Step 3
Why has the artist documented the crystallisation process?
Answer
The artist has documented the crystallisation process to capture the intricate relationship between materiality and temporality. By showcasing this gradual transformation through a series of photographs, Landau emphasizes the slow yet inevitable change that the dress undergoes. This not only serves to document the physical changes but also to convey deeper philosophical questions regarding existence, preservation, and the transient nature of beauty.
Step 4
Is the actual sculpture underwater more effective than the series of photographs? Motivate your answer.
Answer
The underwater sculpture may evoke a more visceral response than the photographs, as it allows for direct engagement with the environment and the interplay of light and water. The three-dimensionality of the submerged dress, coupled with the dynamic nature of water, could enhance the sensory experience. Conversely, the photographs provide a static yet detailed record of the transformation, allowing viewers to ponder the evolution over time. Each medium has its strengths; the sculpture captures the ephemeral nature of time and change, while photographs document and preserve these moments in a different frame of reference.
Step 5
Do you think the title of the work is suitable? Motivate your answer.
Answer
The title 'Salt Bride' is fitting as it encapsulates both the material and symbolic aspects of the work. The association with salt hints at the preservation, purification, and transformation processes at play. Additionally, the reference to a bride—often associated with purity and expectation—contrasts with the dress's eventual decay and encrustation. This duality adds layers of meaning to the piece, reflecting societal notions of beauty and the passage of time.
Step 6
Discuss the work of ONE South African multimedia and/or new media artist.
Answer
One significant South African multimedia artist is Kemang Wa Lehulere, whose work often explores themes of memory, history, and identity. Lehulere employs a variety of media, including installation, performance, and video, to create thought-provoking pieces that challenge conventional narratives. His work engages with the socio-political landscape of South Africa, drawing attention to the complexities surrounding post-colonial identity and cultural memory. By using multimedia, Lehulere effectively presents his ideas in dynamic and accessible formats, inviting viewers to interact with and reflect on these critical issues.