PARADOX OF PLENTY
2 MARCH - 7 APRIL 2011
MICHAELIS GALLERIES, UNIVERSITY CAPE TOWN

Paradox of Plenty. 1500 images exhibited at Michaelis Upper Gallery March 2011.

The Cape Town art school is named after gold mining magnate, Sir Max Michaelis, a pertinent link between the Johannesburg mining industry and Michaelis’ consequent patronage to the art school. With March 2011 seeing the 125th anniversary of the discovery of gold in Johannesburg, Unite’s new body of work reflects on how this discovery has shaped the social-political history of South Africa.
Jeannette Unite converted the Michaelis Upper Gallery into a studio from the 2nd - 21st of March, which was open to the public. This allowed a rare glimpse into Unite’s working methods and a chance for personal engagement with the artist. Works produced were exhibited in the Upper Michaelis Gallery until April 7th 2011.

In over twelve years of on-going research, Unite has visited archives, libraries and museums in mining areas, exploring the issues related to mineral extraction, wars and conflict, migrant labour, the resource curse and the impact of neo-colonialism on the contemporary African industrial landscape. The Paradox of Plenty creates a comment on the environmental impact of the conspicuous consumption of finite metal resources that underpins the techno-spasm we live in.

2nd March 18:30 Launch of Project
7th April 17:00 Exhibition

A limited edition series of signed Headgear prints to commemorate 125 years of discovery of gold in Johannesburg are available.

For further information and images please contact Nadja.daehnke@uct.ac.za

Jeannette Unite converted the Michaelis Upper Gallery into a residency and open studio during March referencing a personal archive of 3000 mining images, collected during research and travel through the African industrial landscape.