/A WORD OF ART/WIC RESIDENCY-WE ARE VISUAL

Guten Tag Exhibition Concept

2011-01-31T04:28:00.001-08:00

Through impressions made during our stay, we have reflected on both the physical and the ambiguous boundaries in the city. Undertaking various projects in public space we hope to present and question these boundaries and dichotomies. The aim is not to criticise or force change, but rather to engage those who view the work with the tangible and intangible boundaries.

Woodstock, undergoing a process of reimagining as creative industries expand out of city centre, is a poignant stage for the dichotomous boundaries manifest in various forms. This is where we have informed the process of the exhibition through living and working in the neighbourhood.

Mirroring and inverting these boundaries through subtle gestures and actions simply brings back to attention the historically engrained boundaries accepted in everyday life. The playful nature of the interventions is an attempt to take a positive position in contrast to, and despite of, the self-constraining imposition of boundaries in Woodstock, as well as reflect our positive experience of the area and city.

Similarly, the specific use of the official street signage colours of black, red, and golden yellow at once plays a role in subverting established structures while also playing on the colours of the German national flag. This is a means of self-reflection on our activities in the area and a reference to the German take over for the exhibition.

Our first intervention in Woodstock was the changing of the colours of robots and street signs. Going unnoticed, these changes to the landscape are as benign as the conceived social structures still perpetuated in the area.

The appropriation of the billboard on Albert Street serves to highlight the dichotomy between superficial attempts at maintaining order and the structures that actually define everyday life. Breaking means of control in order to put up the message reflecting popular attitudes forces the point that boundaries are enforced by the social structures in place.

Continuing the process of post-apartheid name changes in public space and the beautification of the city in the build up to the world cup, the replacement of the Gympie Street sign with a street name from Camps Bay is symbolic of the often negligent procedures ignoring history while re-enforcing historical boundaries.

As a way to say thank you to Cape Town, in appreciation of our time here, we used an advertising silo as a fireworks rocket.

Opening night at Guten Tag

2011-01-31T02:40:00.000-08:00

Guten Tag Opening Night from .wav on Vimeo.

A little spin around the Guten Tag exhibition at the /Word of Art gallery. Nice.

our last days in Cape Town....

2011-01-30T05:52:00.000-08:00

That's it then. Our stay in Cape Town has come to an end and we couldn't be more please and thankful for our time in the Mother City. The exhibition was a great success and the reactions of those who came by has been great. Of course some debates have started over the show, and it's been interesting how the dialogue has continued.

For our last few days in the city we decided to get away from it all a bit after all the hard work put into the show. And what better way to enjoy a sunny day than a trip to crystal pools for some swimming and high diving.

As a little thank you gesture we had a little farewell partykie complete with a Bakoven Bar and rainbow. Thanks to those who came by for wine and whiskey. Thanks too to the rain for just missing us.

So now we are back in Hamburg, trying to reacclimatise and get into the swing of things. Bimer will be exhibiting on the 5th in the Fabrique and we'll try have our website online this week so you all can check us out in more detail if you didn't get the chance, and keep up to date on our next adventure.

Day in the aquarium

2011-01-11T23:39:00.000-08:00

leopard snakefish

view from the top

smile for the camera

under the sea

this one has a bite

but looks rather friendly

wildlife

Thanks to Elad and Michelle for the outing and special behind the scenes tour. It was awesome. And we wish Michelle a speedy recovery from her fishy injury.

Nothing lasts forever

2011-01-11T23:36:00.000-08:00

WAV in the Hafencity, Hamburg

2011-01-11T23:32:00.000-08:00

.wav from .wav on Vimeo.

2011-01-07T16:46:00.000-08:00

Come join us

01.01.11

2011-01-07T13:08:00.000-08:00

Woken by ran on the first day of the year, Marc and Felix set about building a more protective structure, while Brent and Winnie had coffee around the fire in the rain.
The construction going on at Rezonance was rather impressive with 3 houses being erected. Albeit as necessary renovations. The first house consisted of hay bail flooring with brollies providing protection from the rain. Unfortunately this resulted in too little space for the two boys and too much space for the rain. Finding 20 further hay bails encouraged an expansion and refurbishment of the first house. The second house may have been a bit wobbly, but is pretty. Felix and Marc move in, only for the wind to pick up and blow it all down! So necessity calls for a third house. This was soundly constructed with sensible architecture and greater comfort. It may even still be standing and can be found here.
Although the house was steady, the local trees seem to be less so. A very close call with a dead tree which decided to collapse in the direction of Marc and Felix. Landing only a metre or so away. Luckily the neighbours had reparked otherwise their care would have been flattened. It is dangerous in Africa.
So a bit more dancing and swimming in the romantic lake Felix discovered, until it was time to go back into town.

höhle #1

höle #1

höhle #1

höhle #1 finish

höhle #2

THE tree

rezonance

30.12.10

2010-12-30T12:15:00.000-08:00

Another sunny but windy day in the mother city. Brent and Winnie went off for fish and chips. Which took a while thanks to Boyes Drive being stop start the entire way. Marc and Felix measured the billboard again. It is 2,90m x 4,70m. To continue the vein of productive form, frames were prepared and Felix got busy on his stencils. Wolf was at his studio upstairs so he was paid a visit as well.
The fire on Signal Hill was too exciting to pass up on, so Marc took off on his bike. Through the city until reaching the hill, where strong winds and a sharp and unexpected incline slowed his progress to a push. Back home and potatoes and beans for dinner. Brent and Winnie got back finally from Simon's Town. So it was back to the drawing table while the fire continues to rage.

preparations for new years are well underway

on guard

wildlife

the fire begins

moving on up

and even higher

local fridge

local security measures

local fire

local fire fighters

whooosh!

result of hard work

sunset

the fire still burns. hope all the animals are ok

29.12.10

2010-12-29T16:51:00.000-08:00

Today started off with a police raid on a house down the road. As a consequence Brent and Marc were a bit late getting into town. But eventually Marc got to a barber and Brent met up with Winnie breakfast. Viva chicken mayo pitas! Then it was back to Woodstock, well fed and groomed, for some work for the show. Despite the poor quality of the screws, progress was made.

good morning

tools of the trade

if at first you don't succeed...

pretty colours

just add electricity

safety first!

28.12.10

2010-12-29T00:39:00.000-08:00

After a hungover and photo-less day, we got productive. A little trip to the hardware store was in order and we managed to get some seemingly nice things. Although the screws proved to be completely useless. Marc was not pleased. So now the gallery space is looking even more secure.

on the road again

square heads - innovative

neon orange!

hectic clouds

26.12.10

2010-12-29T00:31:00.000-08:00

A lovely Sunday with not much more to do than to go to the District 6 cafe for a braai. Thanks to Josiah and Jenny for the really good mules. They packed a wonderful punch. Between getting drunk and eating lots of meat, pap and sauce, there was a brief encounter with a helicopter. So all in all a very successful day.

even more wildlife

a local helicopter

happy braaiers

25.12.10

2010-12-29T00:25:00.000-08:00

Merry xmas! Again. With much better weather than the day before Marc and Felix decide to brave the mountain. For some reason they chose the most strenuous route they could find. Braving shear drops and rock falls they managed to almost get to the top before having to admit defeat and turn around. This may have been the right decision as at least made it back home alive.

wildlife

the top

that's where Marc and Felix were

it might not have been the top but the view is nice

view of camps bay

and the city

24.12.10

2010-12-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

Rainy xmas morning. Almost like Hamburg. Winnie and Brent were still up the west coast so Marc and Felix got down to some stenciling and other projects. After a hard day's work potatoes and beans was the perfect xmas lunch. While on the west coast there was self-hunted crayfish and mussels. After some wildlife spotting Winnie and Brent got back into town and then it was off to Brent's parents for dinner. The food was great but the xmas tree was a bit flat. Harharhar. Tomorrow we'll try go up the mountain.

good morning rain

Marc working hard

Felix's hard work

be warned

xmas lunch

xmas sunset

Tristan's xmas tree

23.12.10

2010-12-25T07:39:00.000-08:00

Braved sunburn and shopping crazed peoples for a walk into the inner city, which also resulted in the first run in with the law. Marc had found a nice street sign which would have been just right for the exhibition but for some reason the huge polisie man didn't think he should be taking it. However, tequila and freshly squeezed orange juice quickly perked up the mood back home in Woodstock. This did encourage further drinking by which time Marc and Felix had found themselves at the market at the Labia. For some strange reason they had a hungover the next day.

view from the top

where there's smoke

a wonderful store

that's our weekend planned

the best boogie bus in town

keanu dropped by

gluehwein does charge, even in summer

sunset no. 10

home time!

22.12.2010

2010-12-23T13:29:00.000-08:00

o f f d a y ...

21.12.10

2010-12-21T13:07:00.000-08:00

Hard work can only really begin after coffee. So once some fresh milk was procured and coffee drunk it was straight to the gallery to begin setting up the space in earnest. After some heavy lifting, angle grinding, safety measurements, fruit juice, and a bit of blood letting, we managed to get the entrance to the gallery mostly done. Without Edward though we would still be at it.

We then made a little mission for some supplies. Mozzie nets were the top priority and thankfully we found some. We will be sleeping safe and sound tonight. Dinner and a movie was called for, big day tomorrow.

signs of change

security measures

someone hard at work

tools of the trade

sunset no. 8

20.12.10

2010-12-21T12:53:00.000-08:00

Monday blues solved with a bit of a lazy day. Thank goodness for the fresh fruit goodness. We are now trying all the possible combinations of fruit juice with ginger beer, mint and lime. Vodka is optional.
Some more impressions of our neighbourhood were made before busting a move to the Temple's for our dinner date. We ate very well and had a heated debate about the internet, wikileaks and suicide. It was a bit bizarre. It did however motivate us to at least be very productive on Tuesday.

freeeeeesssssssssh

always be careful

and always be safe

angry wildlife

sunset no. 7

19.12.10

2010-12-20T08:34:00.000-08:00

After breakfast it was straight off to affect some change in our immediate surroundings. So now there are a few fresh coats of red paint in Woodstock as well as a few gold nuggets.

In the afternoon we brainstormed a bit about the gallery space and the hanging.
That evening we all went to Brent's parents for a huge braai. Even the salad was yummy. Between drinks we took a little walk and collected some security signs for another project.
Well fed we landed back home, with Marc and Felix being evicted from their bedroom by hordes of hungry mozzies. Tomorrow we'll be better prepared.

graff beef.

the gallery

pure gold

sunset no.6

18.12.10

2010-12-19T00:34:00.000-08:00

Winnie and Felix were the first up, with Winnie going on an expedition to Bainskloof and Felix landing up at the Waterfront. Brent managed a few mules at the market down the road. But once he reached his limit Marc and Felix were scooped up for a trip to the hardware store. Joy! Find of the day: road signage paint.
To round off the day a safari to the Natural History Museum and a walk through Company Gardens. The whale sounds were particularily impressive.Drinks with Anthea and Katlego sealed the deal but also meant we were unable to make it to Dorian and Josiah’s set Fortunately Marc and Felix met a very friendly taxi driver who wanted to learn german to ward off any guilt.

half a highway

does this count as leerstand?

tampon towers

faith47 in town

wildlife

friend funk25 in a book we found

dipping pool at Anthea's

sunset no. 5

17.12.10

2010-12-18T13:27:00.000-08:00

Woke up with a craving for fresh fruit. So off to the shop on the corner. Grapes, plums, peaches and melon = an extra healthy breakfast. Fuelled for the start of the day Felix and Marc adventured into the city for so Woolies vests, markers and a book.
Now we have the key for a large studio space. Pidgeon with an unhatched egg inclusive.
Just reward for the new working space was food in ice cream and a bottle of wine with Tristan, Yang and Vuyo. House-warming gift bread for Ricky was also found.
So some gin and tonics with the photographer a floor up and a birthday party for Ricky resulting in Brent and Winnie staying in a hotel for the night.

another empty building for the leerstandsmelder

ride into town

nice sure whole car

this guys scared of trains

goes all the way to the top!

our new studio pet

we need a new address

sunset no. 4

16.12.10

2010-12-16T16:10:00.000-08:00

Our first collective hangover in Cape Town. Tired bodies but no headache which must be a good sign. We were supposed to collect some more material but for some reason we landed up on a beach. A drive over Chapman's Peak with all the anti-falling-stones fencing and we arrived. Hot sun, perfectly blue water and ice cream. Perfect. Except the water's so damn cold. A "Komm in die Sonne" for our friends back in the Gaengeviertel artist squat in Hamburg. A swift return to the residency for a braai and we've stuffed ourselves with boerewors, chickon, salad and garlic bread. And red wine.

second wildlife encounter

way to the beach

greetings to our squat "Komm in die Gänge"

brent

felix

marc

3rd sundown from Kloofnek

15.12.10

2010-12-16T15:48:00.000-08:00

Day 2 started off with breakfast at Arnolds. Thank goodness for bacon. Marc, Felix and Ricky decided to tackle Lion's Head but didn't quite make it. Marc almost managed to do Ricky's head in with a rather large stone he dislodged while scampering around. Brent and Winnie wandered around town, finding some genuine antiques, until the others got back down. Supplies for a summer salad were collected and enjoyed back at the residency. Sweet melon, blue berries and roasted seeds were the star ingredients. Then going to the Shelflife opening thingy got sidelined due to fevoured sticker making. So we later went to into town for a bit of a party and nonsense instead. A couple burgers before bed and we called it a day.

nice find during at the start of Signal Hill

view of camps bay from signal hill

marc getting into a dispute with signal hill and losing

and here is the f#%king bastard

we also found some material

local wildlife

working hard

silly product of our work...

sundown no.2

14.12.10

2010-12-16T03:30:00.000-08:00

residency opening

We have arrived!

After 22 hours confined to either an Emirates plane or the Dubai airport, we have made it to the sunny shores of Cape Town.Thanks to Anthea and fam for picking us up. Marc and Felix hooked up with Ricky at the Woodstock Industrial Centre where we'll be staying and working and then got driven through into town for a little tour of the Michaelis exhibition. A couple works stood out. Then we drove to get some nurishment, steak and chips. Very good. A visit to Faith47 and as a reward for making it, a new pair of sunglasses.

Michaelis School of Fine Art

Brent and Winnie arrived eventually and got settled in before having dins with the old folks. Then the evening was passed rather comfortably in our new home for a month.

Looking forward to being able to walk around more in the dangerous streets of Cape Town, and getting a better feel of the city.

The sunset was really pretty.

Michaelis School of Fine Art

Brent & Winnie arriving

first sundown

Residency begins with WE ARE VISUAL

2010-12-14T10:40:00.000-08:00

This blogspot has been setup to allow residents to document their work and experience whilst visiting,Cape Town,