Exhibit looks at people and their relationship with ‘Urban Freeways’

The Herald (South Africa)
10 Oct 2011
Nomahlubi Jordaan jordaann@avusa.co.za

ON THE FREEWAY: This is an example of Alan Grobler’s art works that will be on display at the ArtEC gallery in Bird Street

NELSON Mandela Bay artist Alan Grobler’s work, to be exhibited at the ArtEC gallery from tomorrow, explores freeways in and around the city.

Grobler’s exhibition, titled Urban Freeways, focuses on various aspects of modern and urban freeways and people’s relationship with them, despite their everyday functional use.

“The exhibition consists of a series of linocuts I did on freeways in and around PE. I was inspired to do this art work by American photographer Catherine Opie, who did a series on under freeways.”

The exhibition, which runs until next Friday, will also include a selection of other historic landmarks in PE, Grobler said.

“I’ve always been interested in architecture, which plays a dominant role in my work.

“I try to bring recognition to the buildings which are slowly changing with time.”

The linocuts Grobler uses are hand printed, using a banishing technique with a wooden spoon. The public, he said, should expect good artworks.

“I have worked very hard to get to where I am.

“I have kept prices very low to make the artworks affordable.”