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Subterfuge 2023, Al Hisn, Sharjah Biennale

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posted on 2025-05-27, 10:12 authored by Berni Searle

The 5 screen video installation was shot at the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town, in which the artists traverses different parts of the Castle. The approach to the Castle is captured throught the fortified front gates and through the underground water canals. Once inside, armed with a blanket that is dragged from a water well which was originally the kitchen, the blanket is wrung out above the terrace that overlooks the Dolphin pond, and hung out to dry. The artist proceeds to walk into the empty pond, in which braziers have been lit as the water progressively rises, dowsing the fires. The video proceeds to an adjoining field in the Castle, where a number of tents have been set up. Lit from inside, various figures can be seen to inhabit the structures. The video ends off with a rock within the tent that swings like a pendulum. The accompanying sound track includes the struggle song ‘Senzenina’.  

Funding

Sharjah Art Foundation

History

Department/Unit

Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town

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