First Published in
For most land art works, the reason for existing is because of its surroundings. As a land artist, Strijdom van der Merwe usually works away from the restricted spaces of studios, art galleries and cities. He works in nature, in connection with the specific surroundings in which his work develops. His media is nature itself, using the materials provided by the chosen site, his sculptural forms take shape in relation with the landscape. It's a process of working with the natural world; using sand, water, wood, rocks and taking into account the diversity of possibilities and developments offered by the reflection of the sun and the movements of wind. These different elements are normally shaped into geometrical forms that participate with the surrounding landscape. They take part in the ephemeral cycles of nature, continually changing until their final probable destruction.
These works are minimal structures that compliment and even beautify a specific environment. They are undeniable cultural products, but at the same time they affirm their belonging to nature. Most of these artworks are created in isolation, and are only seen by a larger public through the photographs taken by the artist in order to document them and thus, imposing on us his particular vision of the work. They are aesthetically composed images that go beyond simple documentation, capturing the work in one of its moments of process. Strijdom studied art at the University of Stellenbosch, printmaking at the Hooge Skool voor de Kunste in Utrecht Holland, sculpture at the Academy of Art and Architecture in Praha Chech Republic, artist in residence at the Kent Institute of Art and Design Canterbury England, artist in residence at Kamiyama Tokushima Japan.
Comissioned scupltures, installations and exhibitions were done on invitation in South Korea, Turkey, Belgium, France, Sweden, Lithuania.
To read more about the artist visit his website: www.strijdom.co.za
For most land art works, the reason for existing is because of its surroundings. As a land artist, Strijdom van der Merwe usually works away from the restricted spaces of studios, art galleries and cities. He works in nature, in connection with the specific surroundings in which his work develops. His media is nature itself, using the materials provided by the chosen site, his sculptural forms take shape in relation with the landscape. It's a process of working with the natural world; using sand, water, wood, rocks and taking into account the diversity of possibilities and developments offered by the reflection of the sun and the movements of wind. These different elements are normally shaped into geometrical forms that participate with the surrounding landscape. They take part in the ephemeral cycles of nature, continually changing until their final probable destruction.
These works are minimal structures that compliment and even beautify a specific environment. They are undeniable cultural products, but at the same time they affirm their belonging to nature. Most of these artworks are created in isolation, and are only seen by a larger public through the photographs taken by the artist in order to document them and thus, imposing on us his particular vision of the work. They are aesthetically composed images that go beyond simple documentation, capturing the work in one of its moments of process. Strijdom studied art at the University of Stellenbosch, printmaking at the Hooge Skool voor de Kunste in Utrecht Holland, sculpture at the Academy of Art and Architecture in Praha Czech Republic, artist in residence at the Kent Institute of Art and Design Canterbury England, artist in residence at Kamiyama Tokushima Japan.
Comissioned scupltures, installations and exhibitions were done on invitation in South Korea, Turkey, Belgium, France, Sweden, Lithuania.
To read more about the artist visit his website: www.strijdom.co.za
