VEIL by Sue Greef
7 December 2017 - 4 January 2018
OPENING EVENT
VEIL by Sue Greeff on Thursday the 7th of December 6pm-9pm
An extra special celebration, as the final exhibition of 2017 and the first of 2018. We will be serving complimentary wine and canapés. Everyone welcome!
Sue considers her mediums to communicate sexuality, reproduction and genetics using ink on latex, oil on canvas and inorganic salts on board. Her desire is that her artworks stimulate discussions and new ideas, particularly around the social implications resulting from genome editing and reproductive biology and genetics The background to Sue’s focus and interest in Reproductive Biology and genetics is drawn through a personal history as a midwife, her pregnancies, births and subsequent raising of her children. All of these experiences have led her to a shifting and questioning of the latest breakthroughs in genetic science and technology at the dawn of the recombinant DNA era. ‘Using latex as a medium not only speaks about sexuality but also alludes to the seductiveness of this largely ‘veiled’ industry’. Sue Greeff is a Fine Art graduate from the Michaelis School of Fine Art, with distinction for painting. Multi-talented, she is also a qualified nurse, midwife, interior designer and experience as a curator at Mullers Gallery - Cape Town. Sue has exhibited her work in numerous galleries across the country, notably, Gran Provence - Franschhoek, Cavalli - Stellenbosch, Eclectica Contemporary, Eclectica Design & Art - Cape Town and Turbine Art Fair - Johannesburg. Sue was recently announced a finalist in the Sasol New Signatures 2017 Competition.
CONCEPTUAL STATEMENT
The background to my focus and interest in Reproductive Biology and genetics is drawn through a personal history as a midwife, my pregnancies, births and subsequent raising of my children. All of these experiences have led me to a shifting and questioning of the latest breakthroughs in genetic science and technology at the dawn of the recombinant DNA era.
The notion that the human specie through scientific engineering and in conjunction with the ongoing restructuring of evolution that uses interventions such as sophisticated technology and the altering of molecular structures in embryos, I propose brings fears and fantasies of science fiction and ‘designer babies’ into the terrain of modern day eugenics.
Some of the works speak to the commodification of the female Reproductive Body. With the growth of the in-vitro fertilization industry, banking of sperm and embryos, the demand for egg and sperm donors and the significance of heredity has resulted in the IVF industry being associated with commodification and test tube capitalists. The concerns raised around the exploitation of women’s bodies as a result are a subject for society worth considering. Using latex as a medium not only speaks about sexuality but also alludes to the seductiveness of this largely ‘veiled’ industry.
SUE GREEFF ART BIOGRAPHY
Born in 1961- Lives and works in Cape Town, South Africa
At age 50 I applied and was accepted to study at UCT’s Michaelis School of Fine Art. In 2015 I graduated with a BA Fine Art degree with a distinction in painting and was on the Dean’s list for 3 consecutive years.
As a midwife in an earlier profession my artistic practice looks at the connection linking science and art. My fascination with the body as a reproductive system stems from my experiences as a midwife and mother.
I carefully consider my mediums to communicate sexuality, reproduction and genetics using ink on latex, oil on canvas and inorganic salts on board.
My desire is that my artworks stimulate discussions and new ideas, particularly around the social implications resulting from genome editing and reproductive biology and genetics.
Since graduating I have participated in a number of group shows and events.
OTHER INFORMATION
Qualified Professional nurse, Midwife and Psychiatric Nurse – Addington Hospital, Durban. 1979 - 1982
Interior Designer – Inscape School of Interior design 1999
Curator/gallerist Mullers Gallery. 104 Longmarket st. Cape town. February – September 2016
Ongoing Contributing Artist at The Creative Block and Yellowwoods art project, spearheaded by Nandos International and Spier wines.
