Strauss & co - 17 February 2018, Cape Town

116 Strauss & co contemporary art auction This lot, a pyramid-shaped steel sculpture, was the centrepiece of the artist’s 2010 solo exhibition in Cape Town, Third World Disorder , for which the exhibition was also named. Lit from above, it occupied a prominent space near the entrance to the gallery. As with the other works on view, this lot was fabricated under guidance of the artist in South Africa. This disclosure was important for the artist, who now lives in Belgium, as he wanted to prove to audiences that it is possible to manufacture quality work in this country. 1 The provocation of this work extends further. Long interested in text, this sculpture showcases the word “FUCK” in reverse and in multiples throughout. Vulgar despite its common usage, the word recurs in Geers’ production and thinking. He has eloquently written about the ancient meanings of the letter ‘f’ and its associations with religion and religious iconography, as well as themes of sexuality and danger. The triangular form of his porous sculpture also bears notice. It evokes actual physical pyramids (matter), the Christian doctrine of the Trinity (faith), and the Eye of Providence appearing atop a pyramid on the United States one-dollar bill (occultism and money), important themes in his work. 1. Sue Williamson,‘Review: Third World Disorder’, www.artthrob.co.za , June 2010. 39 Kendell Geers SOUTH AFRICAN b1968 Third World Disorder 2010 steel 150 by 150 by 150cm R600 000 – 800 000 EXHIBITED Goodman Gallery, Cape Town, Third World Disorder , 9 June to 10 July 2010. Goodman Gallery, Art Basel , Hong Kong, 2015.