Kylie Wentzel –
SALT

01.05.21 – 31.05.21
Solo Exhibition at
Kalashnikovv Gallery,
Johannesburg

Kylie Wentzel (b. 1993 - Durban, SA) graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Michaelis School of Fine Art at the University of Cape Town in 2015. She went on to receive training in relief and intaglio printmaking techniques while apprenticing at professional printmaking studio, Warren Editions – producing fine art prints for established artists under Master Printmaker, Zhané Warren, in Cape Town’s city centre. 

'SALT' is a mirage meets documentary-style painting exhibition that explores the Durban beachfront. It is part of an ongoing study of the natural and constructed environments Kylie Wentzel finds herself in. The study focuses on elements of space, personal connections, observations, stories, objects, structures and reflection. 

The Durban beachfront is a space Wentzel has frequented since her very first day. It is a place where the blazing sun and salt wears away structures and curios. Where the sand piles up to bury those who sleep on it throughout the night. Some come here to cleanse, and for some, it's to sweat. Here a man builds a BMW out of sand for loose change, and another man's car keys glisten next to a luminous cocktail. Runners venture out from the suburbs in their packs to find their paths amongst monkey troops and police horses. Children occupy public pools freely while living fish are contained and sold in empty booze bottles. 

This distinctive strip of beach and promenade is a public space for performance, healing, tradition, fitness, shelter, leisure and invoice. It's a world of its own within the urban cosmos.