99 Loop is hosting an exciting exhibition by Robert Hamblin, a multidisciplinary artist with a fondness for challenging the boundaries of gender, sexuality and our connection to the natural world.
Born in Johannesburg in 1969 and currently residing in Cape Town, Hamblin’s work has made waves both nationally and internationally.
His art can be found in public and private collections around the world. Hamblin is also a published author, known for the thought-provoking Robert: A queer and crooked memoir, which has garnered praise for the way it details the complexities of identity and humanity.
Hamblin’s latest exhibition, titled ‘Strange Bright Blooms,’ takes viewers on a journey into the sensual world of human interdependence with nature. His work delves into the fascinating realm of plant eroticism, autoeroticism and sexuality, drawing intriguing parallels with human love and our ever-evolving nature.
One of the key inspirations for this exhibition comes from the revolutionary botanist Carl Linnaeus, who described flowers as ‘beds’ and sexual organs as ‘husbands’ and ‘wives’ in his groundbreaking Systema Naturae of 1735.
In Linnaeus’s view, the plant world embodied a variety of sexual relations, including monogamy, polygyny, homosexuality and miscegenation. Hamblin’s exploration of these themes challenges contemporary notions of competition and struggle in nature, offering a more appealing and unifying perspective.
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Francesca de’ Medici, a close friend and collaborator of the artist, beautifully summarises the essence of this exhibition as a profound exploration of the interplay between humanity and the natural world, where sensuality and hybridisation take centre stage.
Prepare to be enthralled by the intricate and thought-provoking creations of Robert Hamblin as he invites us to contemplate the profound connections between nature, sexuality and the human experience.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this unique exhibition, which promises to be a conversation starter and a feast for the senses.
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Details:
- Location: 99 Loop St, City Centre
- Dates: 2 September to 23 September
- Times: 10am to 2pm
- Website: 99loop.co.za/exhibitions
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Picture: 99 Loop Gallery / Facebook