An cross boarder project Letters to Shanghai – from photograph to artwork – will be opened next week.
This is n exciting collaboration between photographer Kevin Richardson based in Shanghai, China and local Bloemfontein artist Marelie van Rensburg.
The evolution of an idea – that sparked the creativity of two artists, evolved into a photoshoot and photographs that became the final product – paintings and artwork. The body of work is done mostly in pen, as an ode to the forgotten art of letter writing.
The live photoshoot on Instagram happened in Shanghai, China on Saturday the 29 July 2023. After receiving the photos, Marelie has been creating the artwork in her style. People could follow this venture’s development on Kevin and Marelie’s respective Instagram accounts on @ishootfilm_sh and @marelie_art.
The crowning moment is the art exhibition on 31 May at the Conservatory on the Somerton Estate, where a live Zoom interview will be held with Kevin in Shanghai on the night.
The exhibition will be open to the public on Saturday, 1 June from 09:00 to 15:00 and Sunday from 09:00 to 13:00. The public can buy delicious coffee and cake while enjoying the beautiful art and the tranquil atmosphere.
“Letters to Shanghai: From photograph to artwork” is not merely an exhibition; it’s a homage to a fading tradition and a celebration of creative evolution. At its heart lies the profound sentiment of lost connections and the yearning for tangible communication in a digital age.
The journey begins with an idea, a spark that ignited the imaginations of two artists. From this inception, a collaborative effort developed, culminating in a photoshoot that captured fleeting moments in time. These photographs, rather than serving as final products, became the canvas upon which Marelie embarked on a transformative journey.
Using pen as her medium, Marelie breathed life into the still images, infusing them with the soulful essence of handwritten letters. Each stroke of the pen carries with it the weight of nostalgia, an ode to the forgotten art of letter writing.
As visitors immerse themselves in the exhibition, they are invited to witness the evolution of an idea into tangible artworks. But more than that, they are encouraged to reconnect with the beauty of handwritten correspondence and the profound impact it can have on human connection.
“Letters to Shanghai” is not just about the finished pieces adorning the walls; it’s about the journey of creation, the power of collaboration, and the timeless allure of heartfelt communication. It invites us to pause, reflect, and perhaps even pick up a pen ourselves, reigniting a love affair with the lost art of letter writing.
Richardson, a South African photographer, has called China his home for the past seven years, with Shanghai currently serving as his base. Embracing the vibrant tapestry of cultures, he immerses himself in the bustling streets of Shanghai, where he passionately documents genuine moments and fosters connections with strangers through his 35mm film cameras.
Equally adept in both film and digital photography, Kevin’s heart lies with the authenticity and depth of film. As a versatile freelancer, he collaborates with emerging fashion brands and designers, undertaking diverse product photography projects.
Kevin’s artistic ethos revolves around capturing reality in its purest form, eschewing excessive posing to unveil the genuine essence of his subjects through his lens. When not traversing the urban landscape, he can be found in the studio, crafting captivating portraits and experimenting with innovative concepts such as motion blur and vibrant lighting.
To glimpse into Kevin’s captivating world, visit his Instagram profile at @ishootfilm_sh or explore his portfolio at www.ishootfilm.net.
Call Louise van Wyck at 082-444-6130 or Van Rensburg at 076-925- 0732 can be contacted for more information.
