Kendell Geers Petals of Blood 204, 2019 Acrylic on canvas Work: 100 x 70 cm
Petals of Blood 204 forms part of a larger series of works on canvas included in Kendall Geers’ solo exhibition, In Gozi We Trust (held at Goodman Gallery in Johannesburg in 2019). Through this work, Geers examines the role that fear, paranoia and the threat of danger play in the construction of Johanneburg’s identity. Drawing on classic art historical references, African literature and mythology, Geers fuses symbolism to create images layered with multiple meaning. Fragments of security fences and bullet holes, both recurring motifs in his practice, merge to resemble flowers in a painterly style.
“In Gozi We Trust blends the emotional geography of suburban paranoia with the very real dangers that make Johannesburg one of the most psychologically complex cities in the world to feel safe. The comfort zones of security fences and lavish décor are thrown up against the border that is at once freedom on the one side and a prison on the other”.
— Kendell Geers, 2019
