About
In his first solo exhibition at Goodman Gallery Cape – titled Resonant Structures – Stefanus Rademeyer expands on his interdisciplinary approach to art-making; intersecting the seemingly unlikely fields of art and mathematics. Rademeyer has developed algorithms that describe the inherent form and intricacy of various natural structures, which are then translated into the visual realm using digital processes. The result is a series of objects and digital drawings that are boundlessly engaging and eloquently beautiful. The show brings together new work and pieces from Rademeyer’s successful solo show at Goodman Gallery Johannesburg last year.
In Resonant Structures, Rademeyer considers the language of mathematics, which, he explains “is also a symbolic system, a highly formalised language. Mathematical language is a logical and coherent system. It’s incredibly specific and is always used from an analytical perspective to solve rational problems or propose logical theorems. So, I thought, what if I apply those logical principles creatively?” The mathematical formulas that Rademeyer has been working with over the past three years fall into the category of “generative algorithms”. The word “generative” implies the notion of growth and mutation and within the exhibition, the artist explains, the viewer is offered visual clues that allude to an array of natural forms and systems within atomic structures, geology, crystallography, biology, botany, and even zoology.
In order to create a series of algorithmic drawings produced as digital prints, Rademeyer uses the process of coding within existing computer programmes. “Some of the structures that I draw consist of twenty million different shapes that come together in one structure, so it is physically impossible to do it manually,” he explains. “The prints are static images of this dynamic process. One can compare it to an image of a river flowing that is captured in a photograph. They’re residual of a process.” The resulting structures, the artist continues “almost have personalities, because they’re so complex you imbue them with certain qualities.”
A central component of Resonant Structures is a series of large-scale light boxes that display details of particular algorithms. These light boxes – flawlessly crafted out of mirror, fluorescent lighting, mahogany and Perspex – form an installation that reveals Rademeyer’s interest in the experiential element of visual art. Using light as a medium, these objects are designed to absorb the viewer into a new environment. The experience is envisioned be immersive, with a sense of boundaries beginning to blend.
While not everyone who views the show will be conversant enough in the specific mathematical language to completely comprehend the formulas behind the algorithms, Rademeyer’s work maintains appeal on many levels. Not only are the objects and drawings he creates often mesmerisingly arresting, their visual complexity draws you in, compelling you to look deeper, to know and understand more.
Stefanus Rademeyer (b. 1976) holds a Masters Degree with distinction in Fine Arts and Art Theory from the University of Witwatersrand, and has been a full-time practising artist for over ten years. His sculptures and prints can be found in the major corporate and private collections in South Africa and his work is also held in private collections in the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe. In 2001 he was awarded first prize in the Absa L’Atelier competition, and took up residence at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris. In 2003 he was awarded the Ampersand Foundation residency in New York. His work has featured at major international events such as Art Basel 2010 and he has held numerous solo exhibitions in South Africa.
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Stefanus Rademeyer Wavegrid, 2008 Mirror, fluorescent light, mahagony, perspex 2430 x 1030 x 250 mm
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Stefanus Rademeyer Cubic Space Latttice I, 2010 Solid Mahogany, Mirrors, Perspex, Florescent Lights + Stand 75 x 225 x 25cm (stand height: 110cm)
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Stefanus Rademeyer Cubic Space Latttice II, 2010 Solid Mahogany, Mirrors, perspex, Fluorescent lights + Stand 75 x 225 x 25cm (stand height: 110cm)...
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Stefanus Rademeyer Cubic Space Latttice III, 2010 Solid Mahogany, Mirrors, Perspex, Fluorescent Lights + Stand 75 x 225 x 25cm (stand height: 110cm...
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Stefanus Rademeyer Arboreal hierarchy, 2010 Mahogany, MDF, grey mirror, fluorescent light 1200 x 1200 x 150 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer I, 2010 Mirror, fluorescent light, mahagony, perspex 2230 x 930 x 150 mm
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Stefanus Rademeyer II, 2010 Mirror, fluorescent light, mahagony, perspex 2230 x 930 x 150 mm
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Stefanus Rademeyer Arborescent Geometry III, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 1118 x 1118 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Arborescent Geometry I, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 1118 x 1118 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Orbit Variation, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 1118 x 1118 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Enso, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 1118 x 1118 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Arborescent Geometries III A, 2010 Pure pigment ink on cotton rag paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Argonauta Forest, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Differential, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Point Texture Field, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Square Limit, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Two Infinities, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Arborescent Geometry IV, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Forest Orb II, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Arborescent Geometries VII, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Wreath, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Urban Landscape I, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Point Line Field, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Radial Symmetry III, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Hairline Trees III, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Dialogue, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Spiral Forest, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Circular Limit II, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Hairline Trees IIIA, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton rag 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Neural Grid I, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Herculean, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Olive Tree, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Arc, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Sakura, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton rag 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Arborescent Geometry IV, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer 20°/80°, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton rag 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Enso, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Point Line Cloud II, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton rag 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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Stefanus Rademeyer Texture Cloud, 2010 Pure pigment ink on archival cotton paper 610 x 610 mm Edition of 3
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