July 08, 2023 - August 05, 2023
472 Fehrsen Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria, South Africa
Louis Kok Artist's Statement
Louis
Kok
Artist
Statement
Traditionally
Graffiti art and tagging is created in public spaces anonymously as it is
considered vandalism and therefore illegal. For this reason, graffiti artists
and taggers had to develop their styles and tags to build a unique signature,
building a reputation and voice within the public eye.
Graffiti
art has since grown into more than just anonymous street art, with many artists
gaining such a following of admirers as to be considered world renowned and
sought after by art collectors.
In this
body of work, Louis delves into his own identity, that of a descendant of the
historical Griekwa, Adam Kok and adopting, Griekwa, as his tag name. Within his
work are traditional symbols associated with the Griekwa culture, such as the
praying mantis. Within any modern culture or group of people, however, it is
almost impossible to ignore how cultures are intertwined and how one affects or
influences another. Louis’ depiction of Queen Elizabeth and the Christ image
are further symbols of outside cultures and beliefs that have influenced and
merged with the traditional Southern African culture.
There are
many types of events that appear to be international issues that bind us on a
global level irrespective of culture or geographics. The funding of war
machines over the funding of nurturing people.
No matter
who you are, no matter where you are… you are not anonymous and your voice
counts.
