Adriaan de Villiers, South Africa 1984, in:
When Colours Move
Until October 18, Gallery Sanaa, Utrecht, The Netherlands
About:
Enchanted Forrest, 2011.
Towers form the main body of my work. The tower refers to: The Tower of Babel and is a symbol of power. My ceramic sculptures are an unorthodox protest against sterile, modern architecture. My sculptures are inspired by the appearance of flowers from South Africa. A tree is often a religious symbol. In the Bible a Juniper Tree with an angelic presence sheltered the prophet Elijah from Queen Jezebel’s pursuit. I explore the idea of why everyday objects are endued with religious significance. At the same time exploring the dualism between superficial ‘ornament’ and deeper spiritual meaning attached to religious iconography. These influences are combined to create my own individual and imaginative version of architecture and nature. My domed sculptures are reminiscent of fairy tale castles, but with a humorous perspective on it. I elaborate on the idea of the house as a container of effects. (text website Sanaa)
Genius Without Talent, 2011.
Milkwood Tree (detail), 2013.
