Context of Colour

Woven in my Skin / Gradients of Guilt / Stitched in Blood / Colour Classification

The Title Context of Colour is a shared title of both my thesis and the work consisting of the graduation show. Since in essence my physical work and writing entwine closely together. 

My work deals with the relevancy of racism and discrimination, past to present day. As a South African who recently moved to Europe, the Netherlands I have become more and more aware of the impact racism has had, and continues to have in my personal life as well as the lives of others everywhere in the world. Through my work I try to process and deal with these issues in a variety of forms. 

Different topics and questions arise through simultaneously researching, making, thinking, writing and conversing about racism and the current issues at hand. Each chapter of the thesis as well as each individual piece of work deals with a separate fragment of my thought process. From historical facts and biological beliefs to personal ideals and poetic expression. Each materializing in a distinctive new form; Referring to themes such as perspective, skin-tone, consciousness and unconsciousness, identification, prejudice, guilt, choice, forgiveness and ideals. Despite the fact that all works consist of diverse materials such as photography, weaving, poetry, embroidery, silk-screening and detailed craftsmanship they all share the same size ratio that closely links them back together. The standard size of an Identification card; 54mm by 86mm. 

Even though all works are closely connected to my own personal notions they are all still intended to be accessible and open for individual interpretation.

Woven in my Skin

Hand woven with a variety of skin tone threads on red wire, symbolizing unity in humality

 

Stitched in Blood

Blood dyes cloth embroidered with beads and a poem. The perspective we take is the perspective we see.

Every bead tells a story

 

Stitched in Blood Poem

Ek sien jou, ek hoor jou, ek voel jou Daagliks word daar n sluier gedra 'N gelykheid verduister in smart Bloed stu deur die ontworteling
Daagliks word daar n sluier gedra Van vroër, van nou, van self Bloed stu deur die ontworteling Een woord dra n duisend skerwe
Van vroër, van nou, van self 'N waarheid word diep versteek Een woord dra n duisend skerwe Tog tel die lyke ons sondes
'N waarheid word diep versteek Skuld het geen perke Tog tel die lyke ons sondes My gewete laat my nimmer meer met rus
Skuld het geen perke 'N gelykheid verduister in smart My gewete laat my nimmer meer met rus Ek sien jou, ek hoor jou, ek voel jou Ek is jou

Stitched in Blood Poem - poem English

I see you, I hear you, I feel you Daily a veil is being worn A equalness smothered in sorrow Blood rushed though the uprooting
Daily a veil is being worn Of before, of now, of self Blood rushes through the uprooting One word carries a thousand shards
Of before, of now, of self A truth is deeply hidden One word carries a thousand shards Still the dead count our sins
A truth is deeply hidden Guilt has no boundaries Still the dead count our sins My conscience never lets me rest
Guilt has no boundaries A equalness smothered in sorrow My conscience never lets me rest I see you, I hear you, I feel you I am you

Colour Classification Photo Series of hand mixed pantone skintone colours on cotton masks taken on instant photos