[ISEA2018] Artist Statement: Eloff Pretorius — Man Made Micro/Macro

Artist Statement

Art, Science & Us sub-programme

USHAKA and BEACH

This project combines digital photography and digital image manipulation with the  longstanding intaglio printmaking tradition. The digital photographs are separated into Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black layers and each layer is etched onto a separate copper plate. The copper plates are then inked with their respective colours and printed over each other on an etching press in rapid succession to produce a nuanced interpretation of the original photo on cotton etching paper. This project explores the crossing over of digital photography and fine art printmaking to introduce new methods of image creation.

  • Eloff Pretorius is a Masters Fine Art Student at University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, researching non-toxic alternatives to traditional printmaking techniques. The images chosen for this exhibition explore the fragile and often abusive relationship that humanity has with the environment it inhabits. The satellite imagery illustrates the large scale impact of activities such as mining and agriculture on the landscape, while the micro photographs focus in on specific examples of toxic waste pollution around mine waste sites in Gauteng.  etsy.com/shop/EloffPrints?ref=l2-shopheader-name         en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gauteng

Supported by the National Arts Council of South Africa, Rita Strong Foundation and MAFA, University of KwaZulu Natal