ARTIST STATEMENT

Performing multiple roles as computer programmer/videographer/composer/performance artist, du Preez’s practice engages with questions surrounding socio-political identity stemming from the self-other relation by implicating her own identity/body in every action and reaction. Through the use of masquerade and mimicry she attempts to uncover and explore the performative constructions of identity in its post-human and post-colonial conditions. She strives to emphasise the fragility and limitations of relation and ultimately the politics and value of trust.     

BIOGRAPHY

Nelmarie du Preez (b. 1985) is a South African artist based in London and Pretoria, working in the fields of performance, video and computational arts. She recently completed her MFA in Fine Art (with distinction) at Goldsmiths, University of London, where she also received her MA in Computational Arts (with distinction). In 2012 she completed her Advanced Diploma in Visual Arts with highest distinction and holds BAs in Audiovisual Multimedia as well as Theology and Psychology.

She has exhibited internationally in London, New York, Buenos Aires and Berlin as well as major cities in South Africa. In the past year she has been shortlisted for five significant international art awards and has recently received a residency and solo-show at the Arebyte gallery in London for 2015.  She also forms part of the collective FLAT 34 and is the editorial assistant for Third Text - Contemporary Art Journal.