Garth Marais

SOTA Selective

Artist's Statement

I'm trying via my art to express a general discontent for man and his actions, the overall lack of care and compassion exhibited by people towards themselves, others, and the environment and the creatures that live in it.
In portraying tormented, distorted figures, I'm transposing what lurks inside and nailing it to the outside. Specifically this anaemic and endless overwhelming preoccupation with celebrity, mass-consumerism and the all-absorbing pursuit of superficial self at the expense of empathy, sincerity and strength of character.

Interview

Which new trends or South African artists do you find inspiring at the moment?
Perhaps Asha Zero.

Where do you get your inspiration for your work?
From international artists and ongoing human failings.

Do you have any rituals or habits involving your art-making that you can tell us about?
Only to challenge myself in the execution of the process.

What do you like most about being an artist?
The freedom of expression.

How do you handle bad days when you experience artist's block?
Keep referencing visual material. Or I do something else unrelated to art.

What is your greatest achievement as an artist to date?
Nothing I deem worth mentioning.

Do you feel that you want to make a difference to the world or in people's lives? If yes, how?
If only to constantly emphasize the contemptuous manner with which we conduct ourselves – both towards the very planet we inhabit and the steadily dwindling species of animal life we conspire against.

What are your plans for the coming year?
To spread the propaganda.