OPENING OF ANOTHER OCCUPATION
sat 27.01.24 11:00 -15.00
Another Occupation by SIMKA
We are on our first visit to South Africa and more precisely to Johannesburg. We have been offered to use Kalashnikovv Gallery as a residency during December and January.
Our intention has been to approach Joburg and create artistic contact both humanly and visually. The strategy in the work has been to, based on one's own perspective of images and performances, bring in new experiences locally and shape this. We have rolled out a 60meter long and1.2meter wide paper through the gallery and drawn/painted our way through with new daily experiences. The theme is based on being human, and based on the fact that we are at the cradle of humanity. The antropocene and human as environmental conflicts such as war and oppression around the world are also reflected and survival and sustenance through cultivation and care are portrayed.
In order to increase attendance, we have had two workshops with 20 first and 15 on the second invited participants. We have carried out a silent walk of 45 minutes, which was rounded off with creation and reflection in one of the gallery rooms. Also shown with documented photos from the workshop.
In another room, we have carried out and show a documented performance. Two approximately 5minute long films with ourselves S & K as characters. Titles: Every Day and Caring & Sharing
We have also sought contact with "Hear My Voice" for collaboration in poetry and who we want to participate in our exhibition that will be shown on January 27. Philile Nkabinde who is a “poet and story-offerer” will perform a work that connects to ours.
We have many to thank for making this stay possible and fruitful.
First the Kalashnikovv Gallery who has invited and hosted us. And supported us in every way with openings and technical matters.
and Artist Craig Smith with Hedda Sjögren-Krausz who connected us with Kalashnikovv. Craig has also been close and guided us into the landscapes and the city and introduced us to many. Also contributed with photos from the second workshop.
Artist Mbako Kago who works for the gallery but joined us during his holiday and documented our work process. He also created a beautiful painting that is shown with participants here.
Artist and Professor at University of Witwatersrand, David Andrew for support and guiding.
Artist and Senior Lecturer at Johannesburg University, Marc Edwards for support and guiding.
Participants in the workshops who made it a successful collaboration for us:
Greger Palmstierna who came back to work on drawing several times.
Musa Budeli
Phiwokuhle Mtana
Moon Mokgoro
Duane Zissou
Thabo Loate
Refentse Gunguluza
Lesego Montoedi
Seipati Mthombeni
Lesego Lefifi
Lesedi Monosi
Katlego Sankoloba
Dinga Sikwebu
Amanda Masinga
Danielle Voster
Audrey Palmstierna
Candy Kramer
David Andrew
Nisha Van Carnap
Kelo Kubu
Thati Mokgoro
Motlatsi Khosi
Boitumelo Molamu
Rina Noto
Nisha Merit
Marc Edwards
Mbako Kago
Matthew Dean Dowdle
Craig Smith
And two more
SIMKA is the project name for the visual artists Simon Haggblom’s and Karin Lind’s shared artistic activities since 2003. Through SIMKA we combine our knowledge and skill from visual art, set design-scenography and landscape architecture.
The core of our work is the investigation and formation of different spaces and sites for human interaction. Informed by the tensions between urbanity and nature, as well as the fictional and the habitual world. The pieces are more or less permanent, located in the gaps, the solitary or disintegrated spaces of the public or private sphere.
