Ambivalence Sculpture

Janko de Beer is a South African artist based in Cape Town. He obtained his law degree (LLB) in 2003 and is also an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa. Janko has since 2017 been sculpting full time as a professional artist. Recently a finalist for a Global Art Award, Janko’s work has featured in many solo and group exhibi- tions, and over the past couple of years he has established a substantial international following; his work has sold to private collectors in Turkey, England, Scotland, Belgium, Australia, Dubai and Monaco. His work has been widely featured in the media, both in print and broadcast interviews. His contributions to the Make a Difference Leadership Foundation have been especially gratifying, with a bronze horse bust, titled Mischief, fetching R500 000 at their 2016 auction in London. “As an artist his sculptures are unique, outspoken and not easily forgotten.” — SA Creative Network Magazine Janko is inspired by found objects collected from nature and various beaches around South Africa. Spending a lot of time outdoors, Janko collects rocks, wood, kelp and other natural materials which pos- sess interesting shapes, textures and colours to use in his sculptures. The sculptures are constructed by creating a metal armature and detail and depth are added using non- drying modelling clay. Unique detail is added using driftwood, stones and dry bull kelp stems, bulbs and fins. The final product is moulded and cast into limited editions of bronze sculptures by using the lost wax casting technique. Janko does all of his own patinas, using both conventional and unconventional methods, which result in unexpectedly rich and unusual colours. The sculptures are visually stimulating, bold and dramatic. They are a unique mastery of motion, form and texture influenced by the precepts of contemporary futurism in sculpting. They convey the history of the medium through strong individual characters, with a subtle touch of surrealism. Janko’s current series titled Subjectivity portrays the idea of how internal thoughts are shaped by per- spectives, feelings, beliefs, and desires. His heads and masks series titled Elders is a contemporary interpretation, based on the face and ceremo- nial painting techniques of the Dinka people of South Sudan. The sculptures represent the allegorical use of masks.