‘Fragile Earth’ Glass Exhibition showcases @ The Gallery

 Award-winning artist, Jeannette Unite showcases a unique collection of transmogrified glass artwork aptly called ‘Fragile Earth’ in ‘The Project Room’ at ‘The Gallery’ at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, Franschhoek which runs from Sunday 10, October 2010 – Wednesday 1, December 2010.

Jeannette began experimenting with glassmaking in 1999 and since then her works in glass have become an important addition to her deep and insightful exploration of the legacy of industrial and especially mining, as well as activities on the South African landscape. Glass, with its fragility and strength and ability to reflect and refract colour in exquisite and unique ways, clearly makes for fascinating viewing.

A collection of soils, terra and terroir is incorporated into this exclusive art concept. Inspiration and visual exploration are derived from her journey to the Rift Valley, Kenya, Simon van der Stel’s copper mine in Namaqualand, among others. In the glass, she uses volcanic molten temperature to catalyse colour. www.artunite.com 

Also on exhibition in ‘The Gallery’ at Grande Provence, from Sunday 31, October 2010 until Wednesday 1, December 2010,  is the Painters Who Print – Art on Paper’exhibition includes the following artists - Kim Berman and Karin Daymond, focussing on landscapes, Johann Louw and Robert Hodgins studies the human form and frailties in the work, Penny Siopis and Judith Mason examine social issues, Deborah Bell and Colbert Mashile wonders into the world of archetypes and occasionally mythical, with Pat Mautloa and Andre Naude analysing the female form. Renowned sculptors Lourens Joubert, Karin Lijnes and Wilma Cruise will also be exhibiting.

For further information on The Gallery at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, contact gallery@grandeprovence.co.za. For a preview, please call The Gallery on +27 (0)21 876 8630 to make an appointment. The Gallery is open from Monday to Sunday, from 10h00 till 18h00.

Editor’s notes:

Jeannette Unite was awarded a Multi Panelled Public Art Project award for integration of the African Landscape into glass artworks about landscape at the Department of Science and Technology, CSIR buildings, Pretoria. She is also one of four South African artists participating at the Beijing Biennale in September 2010 and has been invited to the Czech Republic later this year, which is well known for its magnificent cut lead crystal wine glasses. She has also been awarded the opportunity to present a paper in Ghana West Africa – ‘TERRA: Eco-Alchemy and the African Industrial landscape’ conference which focuses on Africa's cultural development in the 50 years of 17 African countries receiving independence.