Artist Patrick Bongoy’s latest exhibition hopes to spark action in the fight to restore our planet. Made from discarded materials, his art is here to give us a different perspective on what is possible together:
Stellenbosch, South Africa (15 February 2024) – Our planet is facing great stress. We see it in the chaotic weather events, resource depletion and degradation of natural wonders. The situation is serious, but it does not come without hope—as long a collective will to better what we have ruined is alive. This is the prevailing narrative behind artist Patrick Bongoy’s work and his latest exhibition, Ebbing, set to come to Stellenbosch.
For Patrick, the challenges facing humanity are not unlike waves repeatedly crashing onto the shore. This idea of movement is linked to action; action Patrick hopes his art will spark.
“In my understanding as an artist, in my understanding of the world, Earth is a blank canvas that has been given to human beings to imagine and to create – and to make it better for us to live on,” the artist says.
“We’ve been given the power to shape this world and protect it…but we’ve created a monster. It’s dangerous and we don’t know what to do with it.”
In his latest exhibition, Patrick’s message of hope capitalises on the idea of action through recreation. By turning traditionally discarded materials into unique creations, the artist gives us a visual expression of a new way at looking at our relationship with waste.
“I use the material, translated into whatever I create, as a language of hope and movement,” he says. By making art from waste, balance and harmony in this world find their place—something the artist hopes those who see his exhibition will be encouraged to reflect on.
“I want people to see the beauty and new life that translates out of this dead material,” he explains.
Technically impressive and visually engaging, Bongoy’s art invites the viewer to contemplate forgotten dreams and stolen futures – as with the wall-to-wall canvas of silhouetted children – but not without a pinch of hope.
Inspired by the people and organisations who upcycle materials like plastic into concrete and furniture, Patrick believes the capacity for momentum is within us when we choose to work together.
In his words “There are possibilities and solutions. It’s just a matter of effort, energy and consciousness – and the collective will to change.”
Ebbing will be free to the public until 12 May at Spier Wine Farm’s Old Wine Cellar. Open daily from 9am-5pm.
Sources: Supplied
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