Interesting art comes to 1000 Hills – a new sculpture exhibition opens at AmmaZulu Gardens and Sculpture Precinct in Kloof on 30 July at 2pm.
Acclaimed award-winning artist and sculptor, Robin Moodley, has created a new solo exhibition in two parts, entitled: Time in Space and Time in Memory which opens at AmmaZulu Gardens and Sculpture Precinct in Kloof on 30 July, with the second instalment of the exhibition opening at the KZNSA Gallery in Glenwood on 12 August.
Cliffdale Studio.
Working out of his studio situated in a small holding in Cliffdale in the Drummond / Shongweni / Peacevale area of 1000 Hills, Moodley has been working full time on his exhibition which to help us to understand the concept of one humanity while grappling with the notion of how time, space and circumstance shape us.
“Ultimately it is hope and love which stands the test of time, while so much of what we consider precious is impermanent,” says Moodley. “The social structure enforces disenfranchisement and fractured identity. We need to find the essence and commonality which resides within all of us so that we can collectively celebrate our one humanity.”
Freeze Time.
Moodley works extensively in concrete to “freeze time”, in the same way that the ancient Roman city of Pompei has been buried and preserved by volcanic ash from Mount Versuvius.
His installation in Kloof evokes the feeling of discovering an archaeological dig with an array of hand-made bricks set in a huge bed of sand, the centre point of which is a Eucharist feast – a table with bread and wine, denoting fellowship, shared humanity and faith – all set in concrete.
As a sound track to his installation, Nessun Dorma, the incredibly emotional, contemplative aria from Puccini’s opera Turadot, will be played on an audio loop. The aria includes the lyrics: “None shall sleep, even you, oh Princess, in your cold room… watch the stars that tremble with love and hope”.
Moodley’s work can be seen in the art shed at the amazing AmmaZulu Garden and Sculpture Precinct in the heart of Kloof, which houses the permanent studio of artist Andries Botha. The gardens comprises a huge indigenous forest, and amazing outdoor sculptures, as well as a tea garden and art studios.
It opens on Saturday 30 July at 2pm.
In August Moodley hosts phase two of his exhibition at the KZNSA Gallery in Glenwood. Moodley recently came first in the 2022 KZNSA Annual Members’ Award with his mixed media piece called Books of Memories and Reflection – a self standing intimate piece made up of canvas / concrete and wire which explores the notion of time passing, fleeting and yet consistent, captured only in the books and memories which record those very moments.
There are three elements to his KZNSA Gallery exhibition. There is a collection of architectural landscape paintings and sculptures, looking at complex issues around land.
Focal Point.
The focal point is an installation to commemorate a decade since the massacre in Marikana during which 34 miners were killed by the SA police services and the 10 who were killed before the massacre, on 16 August 2012 during a strike at the Lonmin platinum mine in Rustenberg,
The final element to Moodley’s KZNSA exhibition is a homage to the iconic “Kitchen Boy Suit”. At the exhibition opening, they will be worn and modelled, fashion show style, thereafter they will be hanging on the gallery wall.
The exhibition is in the KZNSA Gallery, opening on 12 August at 5.30pm
Robin Moodley commutes between his family-home in Manor Gardens, Durban, and his smallholding in Cliffdale. He is a graduate of University Durban Westville where he majored in painting, print-making and life-drawing. He did his final year at the then Natal Technikon, under such luminaries as Jeff Chandler, Virginia MacKenny, Jeremy Wafer and Andries Botha. While studying part time, he was working at Mobil refinery. His first two person exhibition was in 1989 at the NSA Gallery in Overport City. Moodley worked at Street Wise for four years, with rehabilitated street kids. He ran his own interior design business for 25 years. He closed his practise three years ago to make art and to establish a subsistence food farm in 1000 Hills.
Good to Know:
AmmaZulu Gardens and Sculpture Precinct / 88 Kloof Falls Rd, Kloof.
Open to the public, Thursday to Sun: 10am until 4pm
Otherwise by appointment / Audrey: 071 937 2706
Entrance to the Sculpture walk is R50 / Kids under 10 free.
For more info: https://www.ammazulupalace.com/gardens-and-sculpture.php#mapSection
AmmaZulu Gardens and Sculpture Precinct is a member of 1000 Hills Community Tourism.
KZNSA Gallery / 166 Bulwer Rd, Glenwood
Gallery: Tues – Fri 9.00 – 17.00; Sat 9.00 – 16.00; Sun 9.00 – 15.00; closed Mon
Tel: +27 (0)31 277 1705 / +27 (0)31 277 1700