Hamilton Gallery: The Elements

Water study, Katherine Hamilton

The Elements come alive in artworks that capture the raw power and quiet stillness of nature—earth, fire, air, and water through the eyes of contemporary artists

We are thinking about the word ‘Element’ this month, as Cape Town enters a rainier and colder phase. In anticipation of the coming Winter – although we know it is mild in comparison to many other places on earth – in Cape Town we brace for the cold and sometimes bleak weather.

Thoughts of the winter months in the Cape immediately conjure up images of grey sky, cold, wind and sideways rain. Windswept rainy days, misty beaches, drenched earth, fire damaged landscapes – still black, now wet and glistening. Damp sand, icy ocean, beaten rocks, wild waves. Contemplation, introspection and retreat, into the indoors, underground – into the quiet, the warmth. Fire to warm, to dry, to light.

‘Reed Dance’, Katherine Hamilton

When Hamilton Gallery considers the word ‘element’, the team is reminded of the phrase ‘to brave the elements’, and this in turn makes one think that to brave them, one must also perceive, observe and experience the elements, as well as to face them (if one is to enter them). Whether it be the searing, hot, cloudless sun on a windless 45-degree day, or a walk in a torrential storm to witness the crashing of mammoth waves, or a gale force walk near a dry mountains edge – the elements demand attention.

‘Blanco Whispers’, Katherine Hamilton

‘At One’, Matthew Willman; Sunlit Splash, Katherine Hamilton

We are also reminded of the four Elements’– Earth, Water, Air and Fire. These can symbolize respectively: stability; change; communication, or passion. Following our recent article on mark-making, the concept of the elements or the term ‘element’ is relevant. As with mark-making, a mark can either be fluid (water ), forceful (as a gust of wind), impulsive or unpredictable (as with flames), or deliberate and solid (earth)… each mark can invoke a feeling relating to the energy a certain element can bring.

‘Element’ is also defined as ‘an integral part of something or someone’, or ‘a simple part of a whole’. In chemistry an element is a substance that cannot be broken down into anything further. It is in its most essential form.

Many of the artists create works that either reference or involve the idea of ‘The Elements’ or the ‘elemental’… their art either directly represents nature in its various states or abstractly echoes a feeling that could be linked to the elements.

A work can remind one of water and its properties even if it is not realistically portrayed. An artwork can evoke feelings similar in the way that a strong wind, a blazing fire, a formidable wave, a hot, dry, looming mountain can. Even the use of specific colours, depending on their hue and intensity, can invoke feelings associated with the different elements.

The The ‘The Lake’, digital fine art print by Dave Robertson

Dave Robertson’s fine art print titled, ‘The Lake’ is an example of this. The deep blue with a hint of orange, coupled with the simple title, makes one think of a large deep body of water. The color is powerful yet soothing; the hint of orange is a contrasting energy which implies life or an ‘earthy’ element in the landscape. One is reminded of the experience of being in, around or under water – this art piece, with its abstract quality is an example of how impactful a simple composition and strong, yet limited colour palette can be.

‘Burnveld’, Oil on canvas, by Jeremiah van der Want

Jeremiah Van Der Want’s ‘Burnveld’ is an ‘after the fire’ scene, wherein the aloe seems to almost still be hot to the touch. One can imagine the fire, heat and smoke that came before this- the artists’ realistic representation gives the charred plant and surrounds a tangible quality. One is reminded of the smell of burnt wood and grass, and the harshness of a fire-ravaged landscape. This painting is a depiction of what one element, fire, can do to another, earth. It is at the same time a depiction of stillness, in contrast to the raging flames.

One looks at this plant that is standing in a now deadened state, but the painting gives an underlying feeling of liveliness. There are touches of vibrance which allude to the rejuvenation and regrowth that will take place.

So, this is not just a painting of a burnt plant… it is also symbolic, spiritual, nostalgic, meaningful.

When viewing the current paintings, prints, photographs and ceramic pieces in the gallery, one can attribute to many of the works, the qualities of Earth, Water, Air or Fire – or a combination of these. This may be what attracts one to a particular artwork over another: the essence of the work, whether it be still, calming, invigorating, thought-provoking or energizing. An artwork is effective if it stirs one or all the elements within us.