Olwethu De Vos, who is a multidisciplinary artist and art curator based in Johannesburg is all about uplifting the community. Her work encompasses a range of mediums, including two-and three dimensional artworks, glass sculptures and mixed media drawings.
Affiliated with August House, de Vos is known for her exploration of societal ideologies and theories surrounding post-humanism, particularly within the context of Joburg’s sprawling cityscape. Her works speaks more about connections between the natural world, society and the influences of technology, inviting speculation on what it truly means to be human and how we can reach our fullest potential.
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One of the key themes in de Vos’s work is the examination of beauty and gender within spatial, cultural and capitalist frameworks. Through her deliberate expressions, she explores the emotive and evocative elements that shape our understanding of these concepts. Her renditions of figures and portraiture capture the complexities and nuances of present and predetermined philosophies, creating a visual narrative that challenges traditional notions of beauty and gender.
De Vos also speaks about the exploration of rites of passage and their impact on the human body, both physically and psychologically. Using radiant dark backgrounds, she highlights distinguished segments of the human body, engaging with texture, hues, and patterns to create captivating and thought-provoking artworks.
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As a co-founder of The Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize and The For Sale Project Exhibition, de Vos actively contributes to the community by supporting and promoting emerging talent. Her commitment to fostering creativity and artistic exploration is evident in her own work and her dedication to creating platforms for others to showcase their art.
In a world where technology and societal ideologies continue to shape our understanding of what it means to be human, artists like Olwethu de Vos play a vital role in pushing boundaries and expanding our perspectives.
