Multidisciplinary artist Robert Hamblin’s latest exhibition, ‘Strange Bright Blooms,’ at the 99 Loop gallery in Cape Town explores the interdependence between humanity and nature. This thought-provoking collection invites viewers to contemplate the sensual and intimate relationships between plants, drawing inspiration from the 18th-century botanist Carl Linnaeus.
Born in Johannesburg in 1969, Robert Hamblin is a talented artist recognized both nationally and internationally. His work explores themes of gender, sexuality, and the connection between humans and nature. His memoir, Robert: A queer and crooked memoir, has gained acclaim for its powerful examination of identity and the human experience.
Exploring the Sensual World of Plants
‘Strange Bright Blooms’ is a captivating exhibition that invites viewers to embark on a journey into the sensuous world of human interdependence with nature. Inspired by the work of botanist Carl Linnaeus, Hamblin explores themes of plant eroticism, autoeroticism, and sexuality. Linnaeus’s botanical discoveries revealed a diverse array of sexual relations within the plant kingdom, including monogamy, polygyny, homosexuality, and miscegenation.
A Unifying Perspective
Hamblin’s exploration of these themes serves to challenge contemporary notions of competition and struggle in nature and offers a more unifying and appealing perspective. Francesca de’ Medici, a close friend and collaborator of Hamblin, eloquently captures the essence of this exhibition as an in-depth examination of the interplay between humanity and the natural world.
Journey into the Multifaceted Connections
‘Strange Bright Blooms’ is a unique artistic journey that encourages conversation and promises to be a feast for the senses. The exhibition is a reflection of the profound links between the natural world and human existence. Sensuality and hybridization emerge as central themes, inviting viewers to ponder the multifaceted connections between nature, sexuality, and human experience.
Details of the Exhibition
The exhibition is open from 2nd September to 23rd September, from 10 am to 2 pm, at the 99 Loop St, City Centre. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the artistry of Robert Hamblin. Further information about the exhibition can be found on the gallery’s website at 99loop.co.za/exhibitions.
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