A South African award-winning land artist has just been named as one of the recipients of the “Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant for 2022.
Western Cape, South Africa (09 January 2022) – Strijdom van der Merwe – a South African award-winning land artist who uses materials he finds on-site to create his artworks – has just been named as one of the recipients of “The Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant for 2022.
Strijdom is a sculptor and contemporary artist whose art, sculptures, limited edition prints, and art installations form part of art collections, art routes, sculpture parks, and residences internationally. His work makes a statement about our relationship with the land and is informed by an open dialogue with sites and spaces. View his artist profile for more information, contact him about commissioned art, and view his Land Art, Installation & Sculptural Art, Wood Sculptures, Drawings, And Videos.
“Land art encompasses everything – wind, birds, smell, touch. And my work doesn’t exist until I find it.” – Strijdom Van der Merwe
For more than three decades, the Pollock-Krasner Foundation has supported working artists internationally. Established in 1985 through the generosity of Lee Krasner-one of the foremost abstract expressionist painters of the 20th century, the Foundation is a leader in providing resources to emerging and established artists. To date, the Pollock-Krasner Foundation has awarded nearly 5,000 grants to professional artists and organizations in 78 countries, for a total of over $82 million.
Through its individual artist grants, the Foundation provides financial resources for artists to create new work, acquire supplies, rent studio space, prepare exhibitions, attend a residency and offset living expenses, allowing them to better pursue their art. The Foundation also provides grants to organizations that directly engage with artists, such as museums and galleries, by funding exhibitions and artist residency programs. The Foundation also supports exhibitions and scholarships about Krasner and Pollock artwork.
“Pollock-Krasner grants have enabled artists to create new work, purchase needed materials and pay for studio rent, as well as their personal expenses. Past recipients of Pollock-Krasner grants acknowledge their critical impact in allowing concentrated time for studio work, and in preparing for exhibitions and other professional opportunities such as accepting a residency.”
The Foundation also recognizes artistic excellence through two special awards, the Lee Krasner Award and the Pollock Prize for Creativity. Lee Krasner Awards are given in recognition of lifetime artistic achievement. In 2016, the Foundation launched the Pollock Prize for Creativity awarded to an outstanding artist whose work embodies high creative standards and exemplifies the impact of art on individuals and society.
Check out some of Strijdom’s incredible work below:
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