Destruction/Creation: A Captivating Exploration of Art and Photography

An Exhibition by Chris Slabber

The project, titled "Creation from Destruction," sought to challenge the stereotypical symbols of life and death. Instead, Slabber used the abstract expressionistic values created by the interaction of paint and water to convey the idea that destruction and creation are intertwined. Each image in the series becomes its own work of art, constantly evolving and destroying itself simultaneously.

To bring this concept to life, Slabber used an ordinary fish tank filled with water. He mixed acrylic paint and poured it into the tank, capturing the progression of the paint as it fell and filled the entire tank using high-speed photography. The best shots were then selected and digitally manipulated in Adobe Photoshop, incorporating human faces into the images.

The result is a collection of stunning prints, each measuring 841mm x 50mm x 1189mm, that invite viewers to explore the hidden faces within the abstract clouds of paint. On first glance, the artwork appears as a beautiful cloud of paint captured within water. However, upon closer inspection, the viewer uncovers the hidden face within each piece, allowing for both artistic and technical appreciation.

The interaction with the artwork is a personal experience, as each viewer sees their own shapes or visions within the abstract clouds of paint. This adds an element of individuality and personal interpretation to the exhibition.

The project, which started in February 2014 and concluded in March 2014, was exhibited at the KKNK 2014 at Gallery Art Karoo in April 2014. Throughout the process, Slabber faced challenges in finding the perfect consistency of the acrylic paint to interact with the water and obtaining sufficient light for the high-speed photography. Additionally, seamlessly integrating the human faces into each piece required meticulous attention to detail.

The "Destruction/Creation" exhibition by Chris Slabber has received recognition for its outstanding creativity and technical expertise. In 2015, it was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Photography and Photo Manipulation category. This prestigious accolade is a testament to the remarkable level of excellence and innovation demonstrated in Slabber's work.