Solo Exhibition by Theo Vorster at US Woordfees

Theo Paul Vorster, known for creating unique pieces of art with dynamic line work, vibrant colours and a whimsical thematic approach, is one of the solo exhibitors at this year’s Toyota US Woordfees, ending on 15 March 2020 in Stellenbosch. The US Woordfees is a unique collaboration that brings together a town, a university, artists, audiences and communities from across South Africa and many parts of the world.

Says Theo Paul Vorster: “My exhibition is based on the main theme of the festival ‘keep moving and make a noise’, originating from Jan Rabie’s book 21. Rabie always looked for other ways of telling and understanding reality, and making a ‘noise’. It was innovative. The theme of my exhibition, ‘Roer en Kraak’ (stir and crack), is a synonym and my interpretation of Breyten Breytenbach’s journeys of the body and soul, in which he makes a ‘noise’ so that people can hear and listen. They were both Sixtiers, a group of influential, resistant Afrikaans-language writers in the 1960s started by André Brink and Breyten Breytenbach, which also included Reza de Wet, Etienne Leroux, Jan Rabie, and more. I want to continue moving and making a noise, albeit it in my own, sometimes humoristic style.”

Vorster was excited about the theme. “When I work with a theme, I always learn something new from it again. It’s innovative for me in the way I cut my lino and the final work that I produce. In this way I continuously challenge myself and don’t stagnate.”

He has been part of many exhibitions in the history of US Woordfees and this year will also form part of KNOOP.KNOT, a group exhibition by Louis Jansen van Vuuren and Friends, specially curated for GUS Gallery. He explains: “Louis Jansen Van Vuuren, the curator of KNOOP.KNOT, invited me to create an artwork specifically for this exciting exhibition. The original lino in oil will be exhibited along with the lino print, which I print by hand and then colour with acrylic ink.”

Vorster’s work always displays magical colour and energy, luring the viewer into a surrealistic world filled with playful drama. “I’m driven by the need to always create, always move forward. I really do hope that visitors to the festival enjoy the exhibition.”

Vorster’s exhibition will be held at the Stellenbosch City Hall until 15 March, between 09:00 and 18:00. The original lino blocks in oil will also be exhibited alongside the prints and be available for purchase.

For further information, please visit www.woordfees.co.za

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