Artist Statement
“Refinery: We are expanded far into the past…”, Quote from Night Train to Lisbon, Pascal Mercier, pg 386
“As a Simon’s Town resident I was intrigued by the unlikely charm of the derelict buildings of the Marine Oil Refinery that was demolished in 2005. My creative process has always been inspired by the cycle of life – extinctions developing into new creations developing into extinctions again… This is especially relevant in Simon’s Town with its rich history, the historical buildings and graveyard. The skeletal structures of the derelict Refinery became, for me, the embodiment for this ongoing process of extinction and renewal.
The creative process for this exhibition eventually also became metaphorical – many of my past and discarded artworks were given new life being reformed/refined into new artworks.
I am inspired by textures that are formed by erosion, corrosion and disintegration as a result of the passing of time. The medium of printmaking lends itself to express this process on paper.
When The Studio Gallery opened in the same premises as where the Refinery used to be, it seemed a fitting venue to exhibit this current body of work.”
Final moments, Charcoal on Fabriano Bristol Board, 600x850mm
Opening Event
On 31 January this seasoned artist celebrated the opening of her first solo exhibition, ‘Refinery – we are expanded far into the past’. What a well attended event and incredible exhibition. What a privilege for us here at The Studio Art Gallery to showcase these remarkable artworks. Thank you to the many friends, family and patrons who came out in support of Marelise.
