28july23
AFRIKA 47 | Johannesburg, South Africa
“Ralph Ziman was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1963. Ralph has directed over 400 videos for artists as diverse as Ozzy Osbourne, Toni Braxton, Rod Stewart, Michael Jackson, Shania Twain and Rick James, winning numerous MTV awards. His work in film includes over 6 features as a writer/director/producer including Hearts and Minds, the first independent South African feature film to be completed after apartheid. This premiered at the Berlin and Montreal International Film Festivals, and Jerusalema (Gangster’s Paradise in the US & UK), released to critical and box office acclaim and South Africa’s official entry to the 2008 Academy Award Foreign Language section. His public art includes five murals in Venice and a forthcoming one privately commissioned in Santa Monica. Ralph lives in Los Angeles with his wife and three children. He maintains a studio in Venice Beach and is focusing on his art practice and a planned documentary component to the Ghosts series.” https://treasongallery.com/afrika47/
25mar18. Venice, California
His self-taught style reflects on his experiences in the world, which captures real-life moments that stand out for their beauty. His works are often defined as figurative illustration, classical, and surreal. He draws nspiration from artists like MC Escher, Mohlitz Philippe, Jean Giraud (Moebius), Giovanni Battista Piranesi.” http://www.isupportstreetart.com/artist/dourone/
Borders are a powerful illusion especially in modern Africa, where people commonly grow writing multiple alphabets and speaking numerous languages, all the while being exposed to foreign cultures. But he believes that what could be seen as ground for confusion can turn into richness and complexity, and ultimately, into a tool for cultural reconciliation through the lens of art.
Cultural preservation is at the heart of his work. The idea is that like any other form of life, the extinction of a human culture is a tremendous loss for all of us; a cultural loss as well as a loss of bio diversity. Therefore, his work as an artist is to bring awareness to the “Presence” of our biological and cultural diversity so that, maybe, the richness of the human experience can be shared and be used as a tool for empowerment.” https://www.timbuctustate.com
24mar18. Los Angeles, CA
19feb16. Bushwick Collective, Brooklyn, NY.
