November 23, 2006
By Michael Tsingo
BLIND people and those with poor eyesight will be able to explore the world of art – and create an original art piece based on their experiences – at a workshop at the Johannesburg Art Gallery at the end of November.
During the workshop, held in partnership with the Johannesburg Society for the Blind, participants will explore artist Willem Boshoff's sculptural pieces, Blind Alphabets, which are part of the gallery's collection.
The workshop, on 30 November from 10am to 5pm, is being held as part of the International Day of Disabled Persons, which takes place on 3 December. According to the United Nations website, the International Day of Disabled Persons "aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and to mobilise support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities".
The workshop will explore the art work Blind Alphabet
It involves the integration of people with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
The Johannesburg Art Gallery workshop is the brainchild of gallery curator Prince Dube, who was inspired by a similar event he attended in Sweden. The gallery is intent on ensuring that the art experience is open to all.
"We want to create 'blind artists'," says Dube. "After participants experience other people's artworks by touch, we want to encourage them to produce some themselves."
Participants have been selected by the Johannesburg Society for the Blind and will be assisted by a facilitator from the society.
In the first part of the workshop, the group will explore Blind Alphabets. Along with the actual artwork there will be Braille explanations of Boshoff's art. Participants will then discuss the work. This will be followed by a session where participants work in clay, creating a response to their experience – and an original piece of work.
Finally, participants will be asked to use found objects to make art from their own imagination.
The Johannesburg Art Gallery is on the southern border of Joubert Park; the entrance is on King George's Street. It is open from 10am to 5pm on Tuesdays to Sundays, and entrance is free. For more information, phone Prince Dube on 011 725 3130.
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