The London Open Whitechapel’s triennale exhibition has just opened. 48 of the most dynamic and exciting artists have been chosen from an entry of over 2100 and FAD will be chatting to a selection of the artists over the coming weeks first up is Nelmarie du Preez.
1. Have you always felt yourself an artist?
No not at all and I think a lot of people from my past would be surprised at how my life turned out.
2. Can you tell us more about your work and what are the main ideas you would like to express?
My work stripped down to its bare essentials is about relationships. Not only between humans but also between humans and objects and in particular technology. I am fascinated by the politics of trust and how this influences how we interact and innovate.
3. How do you start the process of making work?
It is often a response to a situation or a problem that I would like to solve…
4. Do you consider the viewer, when making your work?
It fluctuates, depending on which stage of the process I am at.
5. Name 3 artists that have inspired your work.
Marina Abramovic and Ulay, Cindy Sherman, David Shrigley
6. What defines something as a work of art?
Anything that raises questions without providing any answers.
7. How was it finding out you had been chosen as part of The London Open?
Everyone was asleep when I found out! So I danced alone in my room.
8. How have you found working with the Whitechapel Gallery on the exhibition?
Relaxed but professional…just the way I like it.
9. What plans do you have to continue to pursue your art career in 2015?
I have an upcoming solo-exhibition in October at arebyte gallery in Hackney Wick, London.
10. Final Question – if you had £49,000 to buy art who would you invest it in?
Wangechi Mutu
Get more details on The London Open: HERE
