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Time Embodies Alchemy
Memories of Growing up

Item date(s): 10 June 2017

Lehlogonolo Modise


Medium: Croxley note book
Size: 210mm
Binding: Cloth cover - green
Technique: Mixed media
Edition: Unique

Theme(s): Memories; Growing up; Inserting the book arts into an existing library collection.

Place publication: (Johannesburg)
Publisher: The artist

Reference note:
'Time Embodies Alchemy is written from a South African lower class perspective. The book activates a `new way of seeing` for us, who need to be liberated from the chains of history, knowledge which does not make our souls dance and the illusions of the self and other.'

Students chose to work with books placed at various locations within the William Cullen Library, Wits University, Johannesburg opposed to a typical exhibition display. Visitors were then required to navigate the library space using a map that detailed the placement of each work. Information such as title, artist statement, medium and location were arranged according to colour codes for each artist. These cards were presented as an installation in the entrance way to the library. The artist chose to house this book within the manuscript room of rare Africana, intent to insert an alchemical book written from `a South African lower perspective` into the William Cullen Library's book collection. The manuscript room was unlocked by the library`s conservator to allow for visitors to access the work. From this point, small groups of people could be seen moving from one seemingly arbitrary space in the library to another, gathering in clumps to observe something otherwise unremarkable to the oblivious eye.

The book was completed as part of a book arts project facilitated by Madeleine Dymond and Victoria Wigzell.

Sketches, notes and images in a Croxley JD 160 1 Quire notebook, with a poly cotton green garment cover, black paper, catalogue from 21 Joburg with string binding. 210 x 148 mm

Exhibition notes:
The Practice of Public - ing. Wits University William Cullen Library, from June 2017 - ongoing.

Ref: DP/18003













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