Kagiso Patrick Mautloa - WARREN EDITIONS

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Kagiso Patrick Mautloa finds inspiration from the inner city of Johannesburg, where he consciously and unconsciously collects found objects. In the studio, they are given new life through the transformative process of art-making. Through close observation and the ability to look beyond the evident, plastic and other found containers become masks, as each evokes a unique personality. Like fingerprints, the contours of the found object direct the ultimate form of the masks, creating distinctive characters, each emitting their aura, each simultaneously maintaining the memory of their original form. As the conspicuous are transformed into portraits, Mautloa intends to inspire viewers to relook at their world through creative eyes.

Urban Mask comprises 15 multi-block woodcuts inspired by Mautloa’s masks. To create the woodcuts, images of the masks were deconstructed and re-interpreted for print. Each work consists of up to 5 layers, from wood blocks carved and printed by hand onto a cotton substrate, which is then stretched onto canvas stretchers rather than framed.

The 15 prints are made to be viewed as a single work with variable dimensions, allowing for much freedom in the installation. However, each part, being an individual print, remains its synthesis of colour, the woodcut technique and stylistic presentation.

To view images and read about the making of the work, click here.

Kagiso Patrick Mautloa
Urban Mask
2017
Multi-block colour woodcut on Cotton Cloth 300gsm
Edition of 10
Dimensions vary

Published by Spier Arts Trust