Sasol New Signatures Catalogue 2021 - Book - Page 13
OVERALL WINNER
Paloceae Lupantozoa is inspired by Martin Johnson Heade’s
“Orchids and Hummingbirds” series. The artwork consists
of a painting created through the traditional oil on canvas
technique that can also be experienced as a multi-sensory
animated video. The video component of the artwork, which
includes sound, is accessed via an Augmented Reality (AR)
animation of the oil painting. By downloading an App on
their digital device and pointing their camera towards the
painting, viewers activate the Artificial Intelligence sound
and video animation sequence which literally brings the
painting to life on their digital device.
The oil painting and AR video create a link between past and
contemporary representations and experiences of nature.
By juxtaposing the 19th century Romantic tradition of
painting with emerging technologies, the artwork creates
a tension-filled interface, momentarily transporting the
viewer into a familiar yet alien world. But most crucially,
experienced in its multiple modalities, the artwork offers
the viewer an opportunity to reflect on their relationship
with nature and our changing landscape.
Biography
Andrea du Plessis is a multi-disciplinary artist
based in Cape Town, specialising primarily in
traditional painting and new media. She studied
Fine Arts at the University of Pretoria, completed
a postgraduate diploma in Art Therapy in the UK,
and is currently studying towards a degree in
Multimedia Digital Visual Arts at the University
of South Africa. Du Plessis uses her practice
as a means of exploring humanity’s complex
relationship to both nature and technology. The
Covid-19 pandemic sparked her interest in the
sublime experience and the interplay between
nature, technology, and spirituality.
SASOL NEW SIGNATURES • 2021 CATALOGUE
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