Sculpting time: Walter Oltmann's 'In Time' exhibition at Nirox Sculpture Park


By Lindelwa Masuku

Within the "In Time" exhibition by Walter Oltmann, scheduled until October 8, 2023, visitors are invited to engage with the intricate craftsmanship that transcends the boundaries of mechanisation. 

Journey into the realm of sculptural brilliance as we explore "In Time," the latest exhibition by the masterful Walter Oltmann. 

Walter Oltmann, 'Alata', 2023, is currently on show as part of 'Walter Oltmann: In Time,' which runs until 8 October. Image supplied

This exceptional showcase, running from July 8 to October 8, 2023, beckons not only to seasoned art scholars and enthusiasts but also to curious souls eager to embark on a deeply personal artistic odyssey.

In an era overshadowed by the cold embrace of mechanisation, Oltmann's work becomes a warm testament to the enduring value of meticulous craftsmanship. 

Walter Oltmann Instar I, 2023 Anodized aluminum wire, brass rods and plastic beads. Image supplied

As you step into this exhibition, prepare to be enchanted by Oltmann's creations. Imagine his medieval knights, their once-impenetrable armour gracefully unraveling, juxtaposed with delicate, insect-like forms, meticulously woven from wire, each an exquisite jewel suspended in time.

"In Time" is more than an exhibition; it's an intimate exploration of the very essence of sculpture. Oltmann's dialogues with fellow artists Usha Seejarim, Chris Soal, and Inga Somdyala offer profound insights into the tactile nature of their craft, marked by deliberate, unhurried processes. 

Taking place in The Villa-Legodi Centre for Sculpture at NIROX, In Time explores themes of disguise, camouflage, metamorphosis, transformation, extinction and rebirth. Image supplied

These conversations invite you to ponder the concept of labour, connecting the act of artistic creation to the eternal cycles of existence.

As you traverse the serene Nirox Sculpture Park, where this exhibition unfolds amid the embrace of nature, you'll find yourself in a world where art transcends the ordinary. It becomes a mirror reflecting the intricacies of life's profound tapestry.

Walter Oltmann, Aloe Suit, 2020. Aluminium wire, 38 x 85 x 20 cm. Photo: Anthea Pokroy. Courtesy of the artist and Goodman Gallery.

For art scholars, professionals, and those with an insatiable curiosity about the profound intersections of art and labour, "In Time" is an invitation to embark on a personal and thought-provoking journey. 

Join between July 8 and October 8, 2023, and let "In Time" kindle your senses, awakening you to the enduring allure of craftsmanship and the timeless beauty it unveils.

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Walter Oltmann

exhibition

Nirox Sculpture Park

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