Neil Nieuwoudt

Johannesburg

THE LONG DARK TEA-TIME OF THE SOUL (2016)

Type of book work: Unique / sculptural book-object (one-of-a-kind)
Dimensions: (W) 285 x (H) 215 x (D) 70
Media: Found Book, Acrylic paint, varnish, glass, LED lights

Artist's / designer's statements

The altered book encased in glass is still incomplete and needs a custom made stand (including LED lighting) that will highlight the texture of the book itself.

Nieuwoudt's primary interest lies in text, books, symbols, signs and language and our subjective interpretation thereof. Furthermore his studies in alchemical theory and various occult tenets also help to inform his work as an artist. "We suggest that the entirety of the culture in which we currently reside is no less than the dismembered corpse of magic (although somehow still with a seeming capacity for speech) and that this no doubt necessary process is exemplified by the alchemical principle of SOLVE, or analysis." Extract from Alan Moore, The Art of Magic.

Nieuwoudt also employs various forms of asemic writing in his work. Asemic writing is a wordless open semantic form of writing. The word asemic means "having no specific semantic content". With the nonspecificity of asemic writing there comes a vacuum of meaning which is left for the reader to fill in and interpret. The secret is that asemic writing is a shadow, impression, and abstraction of conventional writing. It uses the constraints of writerly gestures and the full developments of abstract art to divulge its main purpose: total freedom beyond literary expression.

THE LITTLE BOOK OF SEX AND DEATH (2016)

Type of book work: Editioned / printed work
Dimensions: Dimensions variable
Media: Red Leather cover, hand bound, 5 ply waxed natural linen thread, 200 gsm paper white, 80 gsm paper black digital print

Artist's / designer's statements

Edition Variation of a series of anonymous "suggestive" selfies sent to me by artist friends. Including asemic writing and various text and symbols. Unique cover. EV 2