In “Shangaan Dress 5” the viewer discovers collaged within the paint, a barometer or pressure meter of some sort, speaking to inward pressure that have been borne for some time. Explosive mark making indicates explosive action and movement, followed by the oversized charcoal drawn foot. The foot is a “stepping out” of isolation into the new era after hard lockdown. Simultaneously the artist draws a parallel to women stepping out of many other imposed constraints.
Soft green tones where added to the series’ usually white backgrounds, which further distinguishes these later works from the earlier ones. Stompie’s signature expressionistic mark making remains confident and calculated with masterful placement of each mark and painterly effect.
