ARTIST, Corné Eksteen, will be giving a walkabout of his solo exhibition, Assimilation, at artSPACE durban at 11 am on Saturday, September 17 and Wednesday, September 21. 

Describing his work, Eksteen, says: “Assimilation is traditionally defined as the process by which a person or persons acquire the social and psychological characteristics of a group. However within the social dynamics of the post-information age, the factors that define a group, a culture, even a national identity has much wider reach and influence.

“We live in a hyper-connected society where we are willingly submitting to the values and opinions of the group, where our sense of personal identity and cultural values are subject to public scrutiny and constant evaluation.

“Our traditional sense of community has been replaced by a “hive-mind” mentality that doesn’t tolerate or embrace alternative opinions, opposition and sub-cultures.”

Through the use of portraiture Eksteen’s works explore how our own sense of personal and cultural identity is being subjected to the expectations, values and norms presented by the group/collective/“hive-mind”.

The show contains an augmented reality aspect that can be viewed on the exhibition website: http://www.assimilation.co.za

artSPACE durban is at 3 Millar Road, Durban, is open from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and on Saturdays between 10 am and 1 pm.

Inquiries: 031 312 0793, www.artspace-durban.com, http://www.artworksartspace.blogspot.com or www.facebook.com/artspacedurban