Art and energy and the scientific lens through the artist’s eye. These are the concepts that fuel an exhibition dedicated to exploring the term we use with incredible frequency in today’s world. From our own energy vibrations that we attempt to ‘sus out’, to the energy that fuels and tarnishes the earth – energy stands in and creates the spotlight – and we get to enjoy a glimpse of a take on her with Corné Eksteen’s “waveWORKS”.
Let’s look at, and talk about energy:
Durban-based artist, Corné Eksteen dissects the visual world through a scientific lens and presents a new body of work, exploring the vibrational nature of matter through traditional genres like still life and portraiture.
Energy has become one of the most important issues steering the cultural and economic discourse of the early 21st century. Every aspect of our lives is influenced by our energy consumption, how that energy is sourced, its environmental impact and its sustainability. The preoccupation with our energy dilemma along with the laws of physics that govern energy, its
transformation and behaviour and by extension all matter, constitute the conceptual foundation of this body of work.
In 1924 French physicist Louis de Broglie proposed the theory of wave-particle duality. Wave-particle duality maintains that light and matter exhibit properties of both particle and wave such as wavelength and frequency, thus concluding that all physical matter vibrates at its own innate frequency and wavelength. Mathematical representations of these vibrations, much like sound and light are sinusoidal waveforms.
Waveforms are used as the primary visual motif and structural element in these works to aid in meaningfully describing concepts such as existence, being, becoming, and reality. The subject matter is celebrated for both its physical form and its
hidden or invisible nature.
waveWORKS is a re-assessment of traditional visual representations of the physical world, utilising several artistic traditions such as portraiture and still life to express a new consciousness and awareness of the fundamental nature of all matter: energy.
The artworks will be on exhibition until 21 February at Art In The Yard, Franschhoek.
Also read:
Cape Town Cafe endeavouring to preserve its 120-year heritage
Artworks: Corné Ekstee