Robert Hodgins: +/- 102
Goodman Gallery, Johannesburg
Johannesburg | South Africa“… what goes on in the studio… is a jumble of meditation, instantaneous decision, change of direction, memories dredged up and astonishment by what is happening on the surface before one…”-Robert Hodgins on painting in his studio, in an interview with Ivor Powell, 1996
Robert Hodgins (1920-2010) was born in London, England, and had, in his own words, “a poor and tough beginning – which fostered a certain cynicism and determination in me.”
Following a few years working in Cape Town and living with a great uncle, 1938 to 1940, he joined the Union Defence Forces and saw service in the Intelligence Corps in Kenya and Egypt during World War II.
One could discuss the formal principles of art present in each work in depth but, ultimately, Hodgins was renowned for his desire to identify and to break formal boundaries and hierarchies of society. This desire is conveyed by Hodgins’ satirical commentary on the overarching institutions or systems in which we exist but seldom question, present in both the scenes depicted in his work and the manner in which the artist then titled his pieces.
Hodgins passed away in March 2010. Robert Hodgins: +/- 102 is a tribute to him that coincides with what would have been the artist’s 102nd birthday on 27 June 2022. Many of the works presented are from the artist’s estate and are to be publicly exhibited for the first time. The exhibition features drawings, oil monotypes and paintings, which demonstrate the range of skill and variation of atmosphere for which he was renowned.
The exhibition title Robert Hodgins: +/- 102 ais not only a nod to his birthday but also alludes to the acclaimed exhibition UBU: +/- 101, which featured works by Deborah Bell, Robert Hodgins and William Kentridge. The works included in this show dealt with each artist’s interpretation of Alfred Jarry’s play, Ubu Roi, wherein the central character is a thoroughly evil, spiteful and dangerous bureaucrat.
“… what goes on in the studio… is a jumble of meditation, instantaneous decision, change of direction, memories dredged up and astonishment by what is happening on the surface before one…”-Robert Hodgins on painting in his studio, in an interview with Ivor Powell, 1996
Robert Hodgins (1920-2010) was born in London, England, and had, in his own words, “a poor and tough beginning – which fostered a certain cynicism and determination in me.”
Following a few years working in Cape Town and living with a great uncle, 1938 to 1940, he joined the Union Defence Forces and saw service in the Intelligence Corps in Kenya and Egypt during World War II.
One could discuss the formal principles of art present in each work in depth but, ultimately, Hodgins was renowned for his desire to identify and to break formal boundaries and hierarchies of society. This desire is conveyed by Hodgins’ satirical commentary on the overarching institutions or systems in which we exist but seldom question, present in both the scenes depicted in his work and the manner in which the artist then titled his pieces.
Hodgins passed away in March 2010. Robert Hodgins: +/- 102 is a tribute to him that coincides with what would have been the artist’s 102nd birthday on 27 June 2022. Many of the works presented are from the artist’s estate and are to be publicly exhibited for the first time. The exhibition features drawings, oil monotypes and paintings, which demonstrate the range of skill and variation of atmosphere for which he was renowned.
The exhibition title Robert Hodgins: +/- 102 ais not only a nod to his birthday but also alludes to the acclaimed exhibition UBU: +/- 101, which featured works by Deborah Bell, Robert Hodgins and William Kentridge. The works included in this show dealt with each artist’s interpretation of Alfred Jarry’s play, Ubu Roi, wherein the central character is a thoroughly evil, spiteful and dangerous bureaucrat.
Artists on show
Contact details
What's on nearby
