Originating in the USA as an urban evolution of “surfing” on tarmac – skateboarding has become one of the most evocative and enduring sub-cultural movements of the modern era. Growing up or living in Cape Town, skateboarding and surfing – synonymous with each other – remain highly popularized emblems of anarchy and effortless “coolness”; we all have friends (or ourselves) who skate and surf; beyond a hobby, and well into a lifestyle orienting us in society with a set of values, creativity and problem solving; all such iterations uttered to lineages of kids through the decades, directly from their relationship to the humble deck or board. Skateboarding is one of those incredible anomalies, however, no matter how marketable or mainstream it seems to become – it stands its ground as wholly underground; gritty, gnarly and beautiful in its continued ability to give real purpose and meaning to the lives of people from all backgrounds; races, gender, sexualities and socio-economic. It also intersects deeply with art, design, fashion, music and films; movies such as Lords of Dogtown, with Neil Young and Jimi Hendrix songs on the soundtrack, captured the mood of the ascension of skateboarding from empty pools in backyards around California in the 1970s, to Olympic recognition as we see it today. It is with this cultural legacy as the contextual backdrop that makes “Motion Bandits” such a hugely refreshing show in Cape Town right now; co-curated by Jared Aufrichtig and Livia Schneider, skate decks line the walls of Gallery One11 in Loop St, each uniquely illustrated, painted or interpreted with the vision of emerging and established artists – each with their own tie to skateboarding as both an art form and activity.
I say “refreshing” because a public ode to skateboarding is rare; generally, and this is a serious generalization, all things underground tend to remain operating as undercurrents beneath the surface of the gallery and event rotations in Cape Town – personally, a lot of my proximity to skating occurred in the “deep south” – ‘kom and beyond – but with a show like this, featuring some seriously legendary names (Faith47, Roger Ballan, Tyler B Murphy and so on) Jared and Livia seem to have woven together a tapestry of some of the most influential artists within this realm in a totally laid back way; and I feel certain after speaking to them both that we are getting back on track, the entire Mother City, for a future we have all had to put on hold for the last 18 months of the pandemic.
Jared, hailing from LA, has become a coastal local in South Africa for the past decade – while still traversing the globe immersed in art, music, surfing and skateboarding while searching out the connections and parallels across these spheres. Having exhibited many times internationally at galleries and museums, he has over a 100 images and artworks published in books and magazines around the world and this includes a 700+ page coffee table book about South Africa and its youth culture. He has worked with numerous NGOs and facilitated a plethora of creative development and mural projects globally – this endeavour, Motion Bandits, being his latest. Co-curator Livia is a Namibian born and raised multidisciplinary artist, about to graduate in her BA of fine art from Michaelis School of Fine Art, who has been hosting immersive art experiences at GalleryOne11 under the Leap Collective which she co-founded with Nicolene Burger. Together the two have collaborated to produce this show, dedicated to raising awareness through its donations to Ladles of Love – a space that offers nutritious meals and support to communities around South Africa.
Jared expresses a profound passion as he walks me through each curated board; and I am struck by the exceptional vision of each artist to apply their essence or evoke awareness. The deck as a canvas? Epic – and a must-do this October.
Motion Bandits | 111 Loop St | 09/10 – 23/10/2021
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:
Amber Alcock; Anda Mncayi; Alicia McFadzean; Braveart; Braden Sadan; Ellena Lourens; California Jansen; Faith 47; Farai Engelbrecht; Gabriella de Gois; George Mars; Ghilian Chevelu; Isaac Zavale; Janko de Beer; Jared Mathew Naidoo; Jared Aufrichtig; Johno; Kelly Graval Aka; RISK; Keya Tema; Lelieh Hannam; Livia Schneider; Lindisipho Gulwa; Lorcan Berg; Luke Stroebel; Manuela Gray; Martin Bakker; Martin Lund / Marty Mcfly; Matt and Josh Hitchings; Mathew Potter; Max Armstrong; Masande Mhluzi; Mez; Norma Jean; Nqaba Shakes Fatman Mbolekwana; Olivia Davis; Ory Bwens Katalayi; Paul Senyol; Pastel Heart; Rico Swanepoel; Rein Langeveld; Roger Ballen; Romi Flowers (Geldenhuys); Shaun Oakley aka Damn Vandal; Shuaib Davids; Sophia van Wyk; Tanika Cronje; Tristan van Zyl; Tyler Pike; Tyler b Murphy; Vincent de Beer; Zinhle Zulu
