ANIMISM
From the Latin word anima ‘life, soul’
The works for this exhibition is the exploration of a very intuitive approach to a selection of various images that made an impact or resonated with me on certain levels that are not always that easy to explain or pinpoint. As the images are visual keys that unlock certain emotions, memories, dreams, and responses that play through my being, they begin to take form in new ways of relativity to one another. They start to harmonize with other entities in a picture field to create a different reality that speak of life and soul and being together in unexpected ways.
They can be reflections of our relationship with animals and the natural world, of our bond with nature. They may refer to the recognition of ourselves in the life and soul of all that surrounds us.
Animals are archetypal symbols referring to various qualities like strength or have various symbolic meanings throughout history from very early days. I sense a strong connection with animals that is at once grounding and supernatural.
Background on DP Ferreira
Ferreira grew up on a farm in the eastern Free State and took private art lessons with Ingrid Lotter whilst still at school.
Whilst studying for his Higher Diploma, he tutored in art history at the Free State Technikon. During his studies, his works were selected for the annual students’ exhibitions and he twice received the award for the best fine arts photographic student. Ferreira has been a finalist in the ABSA Aterlier awards and Momentum Life Art awards. His work was also selected to participate in Stephan Hundt’s Free State Artists exhibition at the Grahamstown Arts Festival.
From 1995 he worked in Bloemfontein as a freelance artist and at this time began his floral work. From 1996 and for the next four years, Ferreira worked as a floral designer in London and traveled widely. In London he did floral work at places such as The Tate Gallery, National History Museum and various other prestigious institutions and for many famous people including members of the Royal family.
In 2001, Ferreira returned to South Africa and settled in Knysna. After working for a short while as a graphic designer, he then began his own business, Natural Floral Design. This grew into Ecozest after DP and his partner Hannes Stander combined their skills.
Painting and ‘art making’ is a growing passion and continuous transformation for DP.
