Eastern Cape artist Marc Pradervand opened his new solo exhibition, White Clay Halo,  at the GFI Art Gallery in Park Drive on Tuesday.
Never afraid to shock, Pradervand is known for exploring provocative political, social, psychological and sexual themes that have made some viewers of his work squirm.
Quite a few of his previous creations confronting uncomfortable social issues such as violence, power, abuse and consumerism are included in this exhibition. However his newer work is more influenced by nature and the interpretation thereof by so-called first cultures, including the San. “White Clay Halo is in reference to the white clay and beads with which Xhosa sangomas adorn themselves,” Pradervand said.
“The colour white signifies a connection to the ancestors and supernatural world. Quite a bit of my work has to do with first-nation and so-called ‘primitive’ art, as well as the world of the supernatural.” Originally from East London, Pradervand now lives in the village of Riebeek East, near Grahamstown. He has a national diploma in photography from the former PE Technikon (now NMU) and a higher diploma in education from the PE Teachers’ College.
He packed in a well-established career as a professional photographer in Cape Town 10 years ago to move to Riebeek East with his wife, mosaic artist Yolande, to paint full time. There this highly creative couple built their own rustic cob house, using only natural materials, which they have since expanded to form what Pradervand, tongue in cheek, calls “our own mini Nkandla”.
Tuesday’s exhibition was opened by noted Eastern Cape artist Mxolisi “Dolla” Sapeta, whom Pradervand credits as having inspired him to pursue painting full time. Though his more recent work is not quite as shocking or unsettling it is by no means less fascinating or visually arresting, bringing together Pradervand’s bold use of colour, ostensibly child-like execution and use of powerful symbolism in a style reminiscent of Norman Catherine, Walter Battiss and Derrick Erasmus, who have all been big influences on his art.
White Clay Halo may be viewed until September 24. Inquiries: 041-586-3973 or e-mail: info@gfi.co.za