In nature, the Mangrove is a physical link between land and sea – creating a connection between two disparate landscapes while dividing them at the same time. I create large scale works of Mangroves that when displayed aim to create an overwhelming environment of images that move between creation and disruption. Growing up in Johannesburg I would drive to school and see people living on the streets, less than 5 minutes away from my house – this was a normal, everyday experience. Johannesburg is made up of contrasting areas bordering one another – the landscapes are connected by proximity but ultimately divided by disparities. This is the parallel between the city and the Mangrove. The Mangrove is used to explore the boundary between connection and division and how my movement between South Africa and America has altered my perspectives of the South African landscape and its massive socio-economic disparities.
Hometown?
Johannesburg, South Africa.
Major/minor?
Studio Art Major and Economics minor.
What is your primary medium?
The works in this show are predominantly ink pieces, but I used other substances, like lemon juice and vinegar, to create texture and disrupt the flow of the ink.
What does the title of your show mean?
Growing up, a lady named Gladness lived with us. Gladness and I had a joke that whenever I would leave the house I would shout “see you later” in reference to the statement “see you later alligator” and she would respond “in the world of crocodiles” instead of the typical “in a while crocodile.” Gladness has always been such a large inspiration in all of the art I create – I have drawn her and painted her multiple times and I always discuss my art with her when I go home. In choosing my title I was trying to find a way to include Gladness’ presence in my show as well as have a title that allowed for a range of interpretations when people viewed my show. That is how I ended up deciding on the title “In the world of.”
What do you feel is the most significant piece in the exhibition and why? What is your favorite piece and why?
I think In the world of. #1 is my most significant piece as it was the first piece made in this series. Although it is very different from a lot of my later works in the series, it is interesting to remember where it began and think about why and how it has changed since that point.
How will art and the process of making continue to play a role in your life after graduation?
I know that I will always continue to make art. After graduation I am hoping to explore art education more and eventually I hope to go to graduate school to study art therapy.
Virtual Artist Talk
View Sarah’s virtual exhibition below