Art Talk

Mariëtte Kotzé is creating a new visual language in her 'artistic laboratory'

This experimental young artist combines traditional and contemporary methods to create her abstract ink works

08 October 2017 - 12:00 By Roberta Thatcher

Your abstract scanogram (digitally captured) paintings are unique. How do you achieve these beautiful results? They are created through the combination of black ink and water puddling. I add solvents to extend and retard the ink's natural tendency to bloom and creep, and to change its colour.
Some of your influences?
I draw inspiration from Wassily Kandinsky's writings regarding the spiritual in art, which influenced the Abstract expressionists. Also Japanese Zen calligraphy, which focuses on the meditative process of art-making and the expression of the subconscious mind.
What are you working on?
I am experimenting with watercolour, soap and paper, adding different textures and tones to my scanograms. I've also started playing around with scale, focusing on macroscopic details.Can you describe your studio?
My studio looks like a simple home office with a touch of an artistic laboratory. I'm lucky I don't need much space, as all the works are created within an A4 work surface.
What's a typical day in the studio like?
I usually start at around 10am and end at 10pm. I only have weekends to make art, so I prefer to do as much as possible in one day. I usually put on a movie in the background and just sit and have fun experimenting. The outcome is never predictable, so creating a lot gives me more options to select from.
In your experience, what's the best thing about making art?
It gives you a space to reflect, meditate and experiment. It's the only place where I can be free to create what I feel like, and not be directed by anything else. I enjoy the possibilities of combining traditional and contemporary methods, creating a new visual language.
And the worst?
Not being able to fully control the outcome of my experiments.
Three South African artists whose work you'd love to own?
An intricate Paul Edmunds sculpture, a quirky Georgina Gatrix portrait and a dreamy landscape by Alexia Vogel.
• Visit mariettekotze.com..

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