Showing posts with label art culture south africa. Show all posts

Mikhail Reitz - Caught Redhanded

Mikhail Reitz is a talented artist from Pretoria. Born on the 4th of April 1985, in Maryfond hospital, Mikhail grew and attended The Pretoria Chinese school, where he learned a taste of the Mandarin tongue. He later joining Pro Arte Alphen Park. A desire for learning and maturing, it was clear he would do well there.

After graduating, and with the advice of his family, he began studying Business Management. Within 3 months he realised this was not for him, and chose to study Drama. He regrets not taking Art as a study, but by this time he was receiving extra mural art classes, and the Drama helped him to work on an anti-social, overly introverted shy nature. Following family hardships and the divorce of his parents, his perseverance helped him grow confident despite. It was time for Mikhail to be more expressive.

Studying Art classes for a year and a half, Mikhail liked to paint and do drawings in his own time expressing on paper the artistic and moody side of his life. Studying various religions and spiritual paths at this time, and he got involved in the creative world of alternative art and music.

Nina Simone

While in his final year in Fairmont High, Durbanville, not really the hub of artistic expression. He started experimenting with chemicals. "I was not like other people though, I would get really compulsive with something, abuse it for a short period, get depressed and bored , leave it and move on to the next. It was a horrible time , being dependent, I went to a few rehabs, and was on medication a big chunk of my life." He explains, "I wanted people to make me happy, and I wasn't focusing on my own passion, I had no motivation to do anything creative and that’s what got me, really got me."

Things got really serious before Mikhail moved back to Pretoria. He went on to study graphic design and gained extensive knowledge to pursue different aspects of web design, while continuing to indulge in his passion for painting. He then joined "Xtreme Freedom House" regeneration for 8 months in 2011 and 2012, an experience which brought real motivation and focus and with this renewed energy Mikhail found a comfortable live-in and working space at the Retro Café, where he helps with functions and enjoys his spare time focusing on art. He has become an inspiration to many youths, being clean for over a year and really doing great.

Finding a profound love for art, especially subversive African Art, Mikhail regularly attends art exhibitions around Pretoria.
"I really enjoyed the “Woman of the world” exhibition at the Feint lifestyle Gallery recently. I loved Louis Van Den Heever, among other Artists. I also love the whole Superstroke+ movement going on now with Conrad Bo."
His future plan is to study a course on the History of Art and currently he is finalizing a 2014 solo exhibition and he has a few other group exhibitions to share his work.

Mikhail's story has been one of courage, relative to a lot of people's lives. It is a confident and strong step towards a bright community of people when someone can share their private works, their ideas and their beliefs.

Please check out Mikhail's work below and share your thoughts!

Candyboy

Caught Redhanded

Caught Redhanded II

The Kiss

Wasted Grandma

Amy Winehouse

Courtney Love

Social & Industrial - Design Indabar

Design Indabar- Cape Town 2012

The display area and projection surface

This winter we're celebrating Design Indaba's unique perspective for displaying and showcasing the best in creativity.

I've had a great time hanging out with the crew from DI.
They've always taken into consideration how appealing smart design is. How once it has been developed, the uses for which it was intended are beyond beneficial.

Design Indabar, a concept presented by Grolsch, to design and create two white hydraulic-controlled containers offering the most pleasant hospitality.

Bar area and upper deck for DJ

These containers are quite special, the first, contains a very sleek bar counter with basins, shelves and point-of-sale devices. Ceiling lighting and power distribution is included for 2 large refrigerators.

A set of stairs then lifts down and is used to walk safely up to the balcony area, which is perfect for DJs, musicians and other entertainment.

The second container is slightly different. The hydraulic technology is used to raise the side doors rather than extend and lower them.

The main sliding door is lifted to create a perfect screen for films, while the interior serves as a versatile mobile gallery.

"Designed by Fly Pitcher in collaboration with Ravi Naidoo of Design Indaba, the interior and exterior surfaces of the Design Indabar can be used to project art, film, design and the like."

Grolsch marketing manager, Mashinka Fourie said the Design Indabar was created by the perfect synergy between Grolsch and the Design Indaba.

Visual Purity by Nadine Friedman

Nadine Friedman is a wonderful photographer from Gordons Bay, South Africa. Her company, Mik & Drik Photography, thrives on expressing views through powerful and striking pictures.

This year Nadine, has assembled a stunning collection of photographs, with a thought provoking insight into nature and culture across Southern Africa and Bali. She now looks to head on to the Americas and abroad to capture the world. Blessed with adventure, drive and the spirit to capture amazing photographs.

Please have a look at more of her photo's by clicking on the link below;

www.facebook.com/pages/Mik-n-Drik-Photography

Mantra Outstyling Art

Mantra tents are stylish bedouin tents perfect for outdoor events and functions.

They are available through Nomadik Tent Hire in Cape Town.

Reach them here:

http://www.nomadiktents.co.za/

Art & Sculptures by Emile Theart

Art & Sculptures - by Emile Theart

Emile Theart was born and raised in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. After graduating from high school henrolled at the Port Elizabeth Technikon to study fine art. Specializing in sculpture he completed his National Diploma in 1991, followed by a Higher National Diploma in 1993. He had the privilege to study under Phil Kolbe, Anton Momberg and David Jones. He also studied stained glass under Hunter Nesbit.

After completing his studies he joined David Manning Stained Glass in Port Elizabeth working on numerous projects ranging from new works to restoration of many historic windows across the Eastern Cape.

Since January 2000 he has been working in the entertainment industry as lighting designer. Even though he hasn't been exhibiting in the last number of years he has been sculpting and also making moulds for other artists and potters.