Free Saturday Workshop #4: Quite like me with Seven Alexa Manschot

Not Quite There, but Here With Me is a series of five workshops led by Seven Alexa Manschot, inspired by Moshekwa Langa’s exhibition You will find us in the best places. Just as Langa does in his work, we explore how we can transform personal memories and experiences into images and objects. Using everyday objects as building blocks and our own associations as a driving force, we learn more about what is uniquely ours in a creative way.

Among other things, we’ll be making a wearable amulet and a personal memory game. We’ll play with stories, materials and flavours, and discover how something that is initially ordinary can take on an unexpected personal meaning. You don’t need to be an artist or know exactly what you want to make; curiosity is enough.

Be inspired by Langa’s exploration of identity, memory and everyday materials, and discover how your own perspective makes the world special.

PROGRAM:

31 October: Workshop #1 – Heartbeads – What do you carry with you?

7 November: Workshop #2 – Place bunting – Layers of memories

14 November: Workshop #3 – Me-mory

21 November: Workshop #4 – Quite like me

28 November: Workshop #5 – Identitea

Workshop #4 – Quite like me

We’ll look at the ‘moonscape’ series and explore how Langa can depict a landscape without drawing it.

Could we also see this as a self-portrait? Participants will create a portrait of themselves on canvas or paper. We’ll start with a brief introduction to a number of portraits and explore how identity comes across without the work being a literal portrait.

How can you reveal yourself without painting your face?

Participants will create a self-portrait in which they depict themselves not only in terms of appearance, but as a collection of places, memories, characteristics, influences and materials. The portrait may be recognisable, abstract, distorted or entirely symbolic. Participants will view each other’s portraits and discuss their choices.