TETRAPACK PRINT & EMBOSSING ON FABRIANO
R 2 000.00 or 4 interest-free payments of R 500.00
4800mm x 300mm
Edition of 4 | 3 Available
Unframed
 
The mixed media print, 'Anthropocene Swimmer [umNdau]' focuses on the theme of ocean conservation and the oceanic humanities of the East Coast of Africa, where slavery, indenturement, trade and cultural imperialism have 'ruled the waves'. Our oceans suffer now from the endgame of a corrupt teleology of 'progress' that is capitalism; and its many polluting artefacts. In this regard the hard-to-recycle composite tetrapack (75% paper, 20% polyethylene, 5% aluminum), which features in the process of this print is a pervasive artefact of this anthropocene age. The merfolk, seasprite-like figure of the print is aligned in this composition with Zulu spirituality. As I understand it - in my limited capacity - some water spirits are associated with histories of commerce and conquest. The embossed swallows represent Durban, where they can be spotted in numbers during the summer months. They also signify both past and present maritime traditions, which they are associated with due to their oceanic migratory routes. In their delicate forms these avian seafarers also represent the resilience of the natural world.