At first glance the mixed mediums used by Christiaan Diedricks may send mixed messages, sending common thought as well as emotion into disarray. However on closer inspection, when one really looks into any one of his artworks, a new vision of intensity is experienced. With a simple stitch, brush stroke or even the clearly defined pencil mark you are swept up into another realm of thought, a perspective like no other.

A professional artist since 1994 Diedricks has been defined by his diversity of visual sources and reference styles as a post-modern artist. His exhibition Balancing Heaven and Earth,currently on show at the University of Johannesburg Art Gallery certainly lives up to all expectations one might have of an artist such as Diedricks. His work in this particular exhibition has been described as having, just like many of his works, a layered effect. At first glance an “Oh Wow!” moment to capture your breath and as you are drawn into the work, as the image makes its way through your mind an “Oh gosh…” effect begins to take over. The 7th of September saw the opening night of this exhibition, as well as the launch of the Chris Diedricks Website. Balancing Heaven and Earth easily met expectations of veteran gallery goers as well as those new to the scene, such as myself. Merely watching the reactions of those who attended was enough to confirm this.  In a true professional style Diedricks’ work effortlessly captures the attention of even those who in the first place weren’t even sure if they were there for the art or for the snacks.



Although I am by no means qualified to comment on the colours, textures and messages that Diedricks uses to compose these amazing works, I can definitely say his work stirs emotion, emotion that through any other medium, by any other creator may never have been realised. That being said, the Balancing Heaven and Earth exhibition is definitely worth taking the time to tilt your head to the left and allow yourself to be absorbed into the incredible world that has been created.         

Pictures Courtesy of Gina Robb.