Dale Lawrence’s practice is motivated by an understanding of art as a fundamental tool of human collective communication, through systems of gesture; and as such, inseparable from other facets of life and industry. Lawrence seeks moments of novelty in repetitive behaviours: in the mechanical actions of craftsmanship; in the daily rituals of domestic life; in familiar national histories; in the habits of industry of art itself. In this, he investigates the complexities surrounding notions of value, finality, intent, labour, productivity, and authenticity.
Lawrence’s practice combines various media such as print, performance, installation and text, frequently blurring lines between them. In creating new works by tearing up others that have gone unsold or recreating Kounellis’ Tragedia Civile (1975) from chip packets, Lawrence’s interventions seek to locate the value—and origin—of both an artwork and its maker.
Lawrence is part of the creative studio Hoick. He lives in Cape Town.
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Lawrence’s practice combines various media such as print, performance, installation and text, frequently blurring lines between them. In creating new works by tearing up others that have gone unsold or recreating Kounellis’ Tragedia Civile (1975) from chip packets, Lawrence’s interventions seek to locate the value—and origin—of both an artwork and its maker.
Lawrence is part of the creative studio Hoick. He lives in Cape Town.
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Solo exhibitions
2019, Further Prototypes, SMITH, Cape Town
2018, Amateur Hour, FNB Joburg Art Fair, Johannesburg
2017, Another Helping, SMITH, Cape Town
2016, Look Busy, SMITH, Cape Town
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Residencies
2019, July – September, Artist-in-residence, Open 24 Hours, Cape Town, ZA
2019, June, Artist-in-residence, Krone MCC & Twee Jonge Gezellen Wine Estate, Tulbagh, ZA
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Selected collections
National Art Bank, South Africa
ABSA Bank Art Collection
Katrine Harries Print Cabinet, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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