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Figure 75: Johann van der Schijff. Advanced Guidance, 1993.



[ Return to: Part 1 - 3.Artistic Feedback; 3.3.Pop Art ]



Affinities between ancient and modern weaponry are found within this spear. A forged blade slots into a carved wooden stick that is propelled by a seemingly high-tech rocket. Communication with the rest of the sculptures is suggested by a tiny antenna. Formally, the sculpted object is presented nestling in two, forked holders. Seemingly 'ready for use', the sculpture evokes connections with an altar, and invites the supplicant to make use of it. [Figure 75]



Figure 76: Inkatha supporters get out of a bus, showing their traditional weapons.
(The Daily News , 1985, August 8)



Two sets of associations are set up in this piece. One is derived from a daunting arsenal of advanced weaponry: heavy bombs that can be steered onto targets with lasers or television cameras in the nose cone; missiles that home-in on heat or radar images; cruise missiles that follow a digital map stored in an onboard computer. By contrast, the other set is more timeless, correlating with early weapons such as the spear, assegai and knobkierie. [Figure 76] The work fits into a postmodern paradigm, reflecting on times of great cultural interchange and conflict.


Figure 77: Johann van der Schijff. Advanced Guidance, 1993.

Mild Steel; tin; aluminium; wood.
H: 1360 mm W: 300 mm L: 1720 mm



Figure 78: Johann van der Schijff. Drawing no. 1,
Advanced Guidance, 1993.

Figure 79: Johann van der Schijff. Drawing no. 2,
Advanced Guidance, 1993.

Figure 80: Johann van der Schijff. Drawing no. 3,
Advanced Guidance, 1993.

Figure 81: Johann van der Schijff. Drawing no. 4,
Advanced Guidance, 1993.

Figure 82: Johann van der Schijff. Drawing no. 5,
Advanced Guidance, 1993.



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