The exhibition Interfacing New Heavens brings together two different positions that contemplate the entanglement of science and art; indigenous knowledge systems and their inquiry within the discursive terrain of astronomy; the agency of “vibrant matter”; and the dreamscape as research methodology. The series of works by Vanessa Lorenzo and Tebogo George Mahashe reflect on the possibilities of these interactions and their affect on our present. Presented within the context of the Javett UP, Interfacing New Heavens is the development of a series of exchanges between the two practitioners with the artists-in-labs program, of Zurich University of the Arts (ZHDK). The artistic research process sought to “reflect on ideas of the other, the foreign or the unfamiliar, and to explore a range of scientific topics, methods and technologies [within] the site of the laboratory”. The exhibition is a culmination of work undertaken during this process.
Vanessa Lorenzo
Documentary on artist and designer Vanessa Lorenzo's artists-in-labs Residency at the South African Astronomical Observatory SAAO, Cape Town and Sutherland in 2018.
This film has its premiere as part of the online exhibition "Interfacing New Heavens", a collaboration of the artists-in-labs program and the Javett Art Centre, University of Pretoria.
The physical exhibition "Interfacing New Heavens" with artworks by Vanessa Lorenzo and Tebogo George Mahashe is open to the public at the View Gallery of the Javett Art Centre from 17.7.2021 - 9.1.2022.
The artists-in-labs South African-Swiss Residency Exchange 2018 is supported by Pro Helvetia Johannesburg. The documentary film and the exhibition "Interfacing New Heavens" are supported by Pro Helvetia Johannesburg and the Embassy of Switzerland in South Africa.
George Mahashe
Documentary on artist and researcher Tebogo George Mahashe's artists-in-labs Residency at the Astronomy Department, University of Geneva in 2018.
This film has its premiere as part of the online exhibition "Interfacing New Heavens", a collaboration of the artists-in-labs program and the Javett Art Centre, University of Pretoria.
The physical exhibition "Interfacing New Heavens" with artworks by Tebogo George Mahashe and Vanessa Lorenzo is open to the public at the View Gallery of the Javett Art Centre from 17.7.2021 - 9.1.2022.
The artists-in-labs South African-Swiss Residency Exchange 2018 is supported by Pro Helvetia Johannesburg. The documentary film and the exhibition "Interfacing New Heavens" are supported by Pro Helvetia Johannesburg and the Embassy of Switzerland in South Africa.