Evoking Art Festival celebrating heritage through contemporary art

GEORGE NEWS - The second edition of the Evoking Art Festival, the Garden Route's edgy and innovative biennial contemporary arts festival, is set to wow art lovers later this month.

Due on 25 September at the Timberlake Organic Village near Wilderness, the festival will celebrate culture and heritage through the pioneering works of 40 young South African artists.

The event will involve art exhibitions, poetry readings, live music, and an exciting art auction.

Says organiser Ingrid Nuss, "We curated this exhibition specifically around the theme of cultural heritage, which is perfectly timed to celebrate the cultural wealth of our nation on South Africa's Heritage weekend". Nuss chose innovative artists whose art is moving and has a strong visual aesthetic.

They were briefed to create new artworks depicting their own interpretation of "traditions handed down from the past, including history, culture, customs, lineage and roots".

Nuss specifically selected artists in their 20s and 30s, who have a fresh, compelling, and energetic perspective. "I'm blown away by the authentic and diverse interpretation of cultural heritage," she says. "I can't wait for art lovers to see it." The Evoking artists share other commonalities; each has his or her own unique style and medium, and most of their artwork is brand new.

Exhibitors will include illustrator and political cartoonist Jeff Rankin, Cape Town "street artist" and mural creator Marti Lund, Plettenberg Bay artist Jessica Rayne's highly detailed decorative collages, and Jenn Hull's quirky tribal sculptures. Artworks by innovative local contemporary artists will also be on display.

Evoking is the brainchild of Garden Route creatives Ingrid Nuss and Shaun Cloete (aka Shaun.Galolo), who saw an undeniable opportunity to provide a meaningful platform for young creatives. Their aim is to establish the Garden Route as a creative hub for artists and art lovers. "I love spotting raw talent," Ingrid explains, "and the Evoking festival was born as a stepping stone to help young artists to break into the contemporary art world."

Shaun.Galolo spent many years touring the globe as a live musician and recognises the region's immense potential. "The Garden Route is primed to become the creative capital of the country," he says.

They are excited to see the public's reaction to the artworks selected exclusively for the auction. Bidding will start at well below estimated retail prices, which opens the opportunity for collectors to snap up unique and inspiring modern artworks for a steal.

The festival kicks off at 12:00 on Saturday 25 September with music by folk singer Shomon Daniel and the opening of the art exhibition. Live music performances follow during the afternoon with local musical talent including Josh Roxton, Dave Knowles, Electric Spinach, Shaun.Galolo and Chris Auret.

Live poetry readings and an auction of curated works will follow at 17:30. The Cape Town band, Groove Missionaries, will play upbeat and classic covers. The musical highlight will be a performance by the Nomadic Orchestra.

This five-piece instrumental dance band is sure to get the crowd moving with their unique and infectious high-energy dance music.

A limited menu is available from Zucchini's Restaurant. Coffee, cakes and pizza will be served at Pause Coffee Roastery and kids can enjoy the open-air play area and jungle gym.

Tickets are available online for R80 and will also be available at the door for R100. VIP tickets, which include a seat at a VIP table in Zucchini's exclusive area, along with complementary drinks and canapés, R200 auction credit and a limited-edition Evoking art print by Ingrid Nuss, are available at a price of R500.

More information is available at evoking.co.za.