2006 Exhibition

PRETORIA NEWS

Like the face of a voice heard only over the telephone, Basie Yssel’s pictures are unexpected and surprising. With roots firmly planted in Modernist formalism, Yssel's combination of mark-making with digital manipulation shows shows his ability to experiment and evolve while holding onto gesture and purity, like old flames.

One could argue that it is a continuation of the tradition of art for art’s sake. Others may call it creative doodling. Certainly its subtle elegance and simplicity stands apart from much of what goes by the name of art these days. Yet these kaleidoscopic emblems, reminiscent of Rorschach ink blots, encode a blueprint for the infinite psychological interpretations and projections that may be triggered by the viewer. While static as stamps, these images also waver and writhe, miragelike, between heaven and hell.

Their symbolic suggestiveness makes them open-ended. As one looks, so signs and shapes emerge, wraith-like: insects and demons, ovaries and pelvises, webs and mazes, mermaids and birds, gates and black holes. This allows for continual discovery, and thus for optimal enjoyment. One would want to spend time with these images.

On another level, this work is an expression of a process of metamorphosis, in this case, the artist’s own. Personally and professionally, Yssel, like these butterfly forms, has journeyed the long dark tea-time of the soul, recently recovering from a life-threatening illness, and returned, with renewed vigour, appreciation and humility. It is especially the latter that finds expression in this series.

Even while calling to mind the masculine symmetry of heraldry, there emerges from the details a quavering sensitivity. clearly in love with line and contour, Yssel has embroidered intricate labyrinths from simple strands, curls and flecks. Their precious, intense quality makes them cry out for equally intense jewel-hues. But Yssel, for his own reasons holds back, working austerely within the limits of greys, browns and indifferent greens, breaking the neutrality only fleetingly with moments of colour. The poignant delicacy of these works is the surprising voice that emerges from this burly, large-framed artist.