Stepping into the “Barca, Banksy and Things In-between” Art Installation by etaMae and Jos at Souland Gallery, I was immediately left speechless. This wasn’t a structure; it was an experience, a reading of architectural verse. The environment crackled with an evident energy, a fragile equilibrium of reason and lyric. With their new installation, “Barca, Banksy and Things In-between”, etaMae and Jos have given us a lesson in collaboration by constructing a mind-bending urban cityscape that you don’t just view, you sense.
Jos, the builder whose head is, as he told me, “somehow programmed” with logic and structure, has done it once more. He provided the base for a city of concrete and metal yet distorted it into something futuristic. It’s the handiwork of a person who can see past simple cubes, creating a structure with complex detailing.
The size itself is impressive, with attention given to each crevice and corner. When land size was an issue, jos built upwards to give his partner the freedom to create. Check out the semi- transparent spiral staircases, look in all directions to fully appreciate the work involved.
And into that powerful form, etaMae injects her own personal narrative. On her last visit to Barcelona she got to enjoy the Banksy Museum in the center of the vibrant city, She told me that she appreciated Banksy’s ability to inject some humanity and strong messages into the bustle of city life, and life in general.
Initially, etaMae had created some works centered around Barcelona and Banksy, and after seeing it Jos offered to build something to house it in. After “24 versions” as she playfully terms each construction jos was not totally happy with, she then set to texturing the entire build from top to toe, ‘breathing life’ into the space.
With her own photographs from the real world, and the use of her PBR materials and Blender, she created some lovely, textural works perfectly integrated into Jos’s urban landscape. Her photos are not ornaments—they are pieces which convey a message and meaning, a mix of real-world happenings and the use of her favourite software programs.
This installation is not just a gallery; it’s an experience on all levels. It’s a place where two personalities combine together in the joy of creation.. The whole build feels balanced, instantly declaring this installation as being by two dissimilar, yet completely harmonious people. As I walked through the space, I marveled at the small details, upside down buildings, innovative frames showing off etaMae’s work. It’s a one that you can’t rush; you sit, you experience, and allow the beauty to sink in.
Jos and etaMae took their time over this build as sometimes they simply put it on a back burner as there was no time restrictions for either of them. Consequently ‘ Barca, Banksy and Things In-between’ has taken around four and half months to come together, beginning as etaMae’s idea for a Barcelona-inspired exhibit, which Jos then took as his canvas on which to create a custom building.
Their technique is one of dynamic exchange, although they work separately and only come together to show creations or share ideas. The “Barcelona” installation is a fine demonstration of what happens when two like-minded people come together and allow each other’s strengths give life to a shared vision.
Come meet DJ Verdant Homewood for the opening on October 25th at 12 PM SLT at the Souland Gallery.
Don’t miss setting your shared environment to truly view this masterpiece for all its worth.
Event Details:
October 25th at 12 PM SLT
“Barca, Banksy and Things In-between” Art Installation by etaMae and Jos
Music by DJ Verdant Homewood
