/ 1 January 2002

Fantastic rubbish art for Jo’burg Summit

Ice Station Johannesburg, an accredited parallel event to the World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD) 2002, will host an art exhibition called ”Fantastic Rubbish” from August 12 to September 6.

In a media statement on Sunday, Ice Station Johannesburg said it would be located in Ubuntu Village at the Wanderers Club, and would showcase the achievements of the global environmental group Mission Antarctica.

Jeanne Hoffman, coordinator of the exhibition, said the exhibition would transgress the boundaries between traditionally recognised fine art and craft.

”Fantastic Rubbish will bring together South African artists and crafters from diverse backgrounds, to work on a project that combines several distinct elements. By bringing together the concern to economise and reserve, with the joy of unearthing the value and potential of discarded materials, we hope to achieve a fresh, interactive presentation.”

”… The intention is to provide a platform for communication between the artists and crafters on the one hand, and the general public on the other, and to inspire thoughts and discussions around the environment and waste specifically.”

Visitors to Ice Station Johannesburg will be encouraged to engage in informal workshops with the artists. School groups will visit the exhibition as well.

Visitors will enter ”Fantastic Rubbish” through a three-pillar archway representing the three pillars of sustainability (social, environmental, economical) as described by Environment Minister Valli Moosa, and constructed by Lien van der Linde.

Artists present include:

— Artists represented by Mukondeni Fine Arts Gallery;

— Jan van der Merwe in collaboration with Gozololo (Aids orphan shelter);

— Chris Gous in collaboration with pupils from Heuwel Primary School, Pretoria

— Mbongeni Buthelezi;

— Gordon Froud;

— Liza Grobler;

— Moses Seleko, Vusi Mfupi and Jeff Nkabinde;

— Thulani Shongwe;

— Johan Thom;

— Marna Hattingh;

— Ferdi Hartzenberg;

— San Sibiya, Erique Motheysi and Simphiwe Belle from the BAT Centre, Durban.

Visitors will exit through the Talking House, part of Mari-Mira, a collaboration between French artists and inventors and popular artists from KwaZulu-Natal. The team includes Guy-Andre Lagesse, Pat Khanye, Jabulani Mhlabini, Sibusiso Mbhele and Doung Anwar Jahangeer as guide.

— Mission Antarctica aims to ensure the continued preservation of Antarctica for future generations as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science, and is sponsored by business.

On the net: www.missionantarctica.com or www.earthship.co.za – Sapa