Through these publications, Michael Matthews and his collaborators have made significant contributions to the documentation and critique of South African art. Their work not only highlights the impact of colonisation and imperialism but also celebrates the diverse and evolving nature of the country's artistic landscape. These books and catalogues serve as valuable resources for anyone interested in understanding the complexities and richness of South African art.
South African art has undergone significant transformations over the years, reflecting the country's complex history and diverse cultural landscape. Michael Matthews has been at the forefront of documenting and critiquing these changes through various publications. Below highlights some of the key works edited by Matthews and other notable editors, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of South African art.
Victoria/Dasart: The End of a Colonial Era? The End of Colonial Art? New Directions? (1995)
Published by Brevitas Publishers cc and edited by Michael Matthews, this book features essays by Val Sterley, Graham Dominy, Kobus Moolman, Brendan Bell, Angela Zehnder, Michael Matthews, Elfrieda Pretorius, and Ashley Johnson. The essays critically investigate various issues pertaining to South Africa and colonisation, exploring the end of the colonial era and its impact on art. The book's ISBN is 1-874976-09-0.
Dasart (1994)
Edited by Andrew Weldrick and published by Unisa Art Gallery, this catalogue provides information and images of artworks exhibited by the Dasartists' at the UNISA Art Gallery from 8 – 28 September 1994. The featured artists include Dave Andrew, Ashley Johnson, Michael Matthews, Si Mashiangwako, Sipho Mokwena, Mike Moloney, and Rob Wood. The catalogue's ISBN is 1-874976-09-0.
Dasart Colonial Mutations (1997)
In this book, published by Dasart and edited by Michael Matthews, the effects of colonisation and imperialism in South Africa are further investigated. Essays by Ashley Johnson, Val Sterley, Graham Dominy, Dave Andrew, Brendan Bell, Michael Matthews, and Valerie Leigh provide in-depth analysis and critique. The book's ISBN is 0-620-20103-7.
Transmigrations: Rituals & Items (2000)
Edited by Ashley Johnson and published by Angels Gate Cultural Center, this catalogue documents the artworks exhibited by the Dasartists in the travelling installation entitled "Transmigrations." The exhibition includes works by Wim Botha, Bob Cnoops, Hugo Crosthwaite, James De Villiers, Sasha Fabris, Gordon Froud, Rookeya Gardee, Ashley Johnson, Nkosinathi Khanyile, Ania Krajewaki, Michael Matthews, Nhlanhla Mbatha, Rankadi Mosako, and Diane Victor. The catalogue's ISBN is 0-620-25080-1.
Dasart: Transmigrations - Riyuales y objetos (1999)
This Spanish translation of the "Transmigrations" catalogue, edited by Veronica Martinez and published by Saflink, features the same artists and artworks. It provides a comprehensive overview of the travelling installation, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Dasart/Passages: Doors and Transmigration (1999)
Published by Art Share Los Angeles and edited by Chip Hunter, this catalogue showcases the artworks exhibited in the "Passages" installation. The featured artists include Ania Krajewski, Wim Botha, Bob Cnoops, James De Villiers, Sasha Fabris, Gordon Froud, Rookeya Gardee, Ashley Johnson, Nkosinathi Khanyile, Nhlanhla Mbatha, Rankadi Mosako, Michael Matthews, Dianne Victor, Robert Barrere, James Bruce, Stephen Burns, Reed Cardwell, Li Huai, and Jo Rutherford.
Fokofo (2001)
This interactive CD-ROM, created by Michael Matthews and Bruce Allen, offers a virtual experience of the installation entitled "Fokofo." Published by Dasart, it provides an innovative way to engage with the art and explore its themes.
Dasart: Transmigrations - Riyuales y objetos (1999)
Victoria/Dasart: The End of a Colonial Era? The End of Colonial Art? New Directions? (1995)
Dasart/Passages: Doors and Transmigration (1999)
Dasart (1994)