Grace Da Costa‘s work largely stems from her involvement with running a life-drawing class from her home studio.
“During the class I make sketches of the model. These form a starting point from which a work may develop. Once alone in my studio I manipulate and expand the initial image through a process of repeated application and subtraction. The plastic qualities of the medium, composition, contrast, surface tension and texture are all elements that are considered and explored.
I do not start with a fixed concept in mind. The concept evolves during the process of experimentation and development. A painting is often reworked and changed over an extended period. I prefer to articulate my thoughts visually rather than verbally. The process is an attempt at organizing and understanding information, exploring confusion and trying to resolve personal concerns. The paintings are a record or reflection of what I am exposed to in daily life, in the media and in society — somewhat like a ‘collage’ of thoughts, experience and process.
Man’s perception of reality, the transience of life, belief in an afterlife, notions of good and evil, religion, power and gender are universal human issues which inform my interpretation. The act of painting, drawing or sculpting, provides immediate gratification, somewhat like a child playing with mud: squish it around and see what happens!
The whole process stimulates the senses. Textures, colours, shapes, marks — so many things can be done. Proceeding to manipulate, distort or even destroy the image. Expressing one’s immediate emotions, concerns or opinions, without having to consider another being. Pure self-indulgence.”
Grace da Costa studied graphic design at the Johannesburg College of Art and worked as a graphic designer for close to twenty years.
Frustrated by the demands of clients, computers and commercialism, she started sculpting and painting.
She uses the lost wax process for her sculptures and also explores oil painting and mixed media in her work.
2010
iArt Gallery, Cape Town.
Knysna Fine Art Gallery, Knysna.
David Brown Fine Arts, Johannesburg.
2009
iArt Gallery, Cape Town.
Knysna Fine Art Gallery, Knysna.
David Brown Fine Arts, Johannesburg.
“Grace Da Costa – Painter/Sculptor”, Dawid Ras, Johannesburg (SOLO).
2008
iArt Gallery, Cape Town.
Knysna Fine Art Gallery, Knysna.
Dawid Ras, Johannesburg.
“Dislocated? Transposed?”, Gordon Froud, Johannesburg (SOLO).
2007
Carol Lee Fine Art, Johannesburg.
Dawid Ras, Johannesburg.
Innerspace Art, Johannesburg.
Rooms with a View, Sandton.
David Brown Fine Arts, Johannesburg.
2006
Wolseley Gallery, London.
Carol Lee Fine Art, Johannesburg.
Dawid Ras, Johannesburg.
Innerspace Art, Johannesburg.
2005
Carol Lee Fine Art, Johannesburg.
Zuva Gallery, Johannesburg.
Crake Gallery, Johannesburg.
Wolseley Gallery, London.
The White House Gallery, Johannesburg.
Dawid Ras, Johannesburg.
Innerspace Art, Johannesburg.
2004
Zuva Gallery, Johannesburg.
Crake Gallery, Johannesburg.
“Reflection”, Carol Lee Fine Art, Johannesburg.
Wolseley Gallery, London.
2003
“Repositioning”, RAU, Johannesburg.
“Sidibeng Sa Limpho”, Soan Studio, London. .
“Unearthed”, The Enniskerry Gallery, Ireland.
“Inscape”, Upstairs @ Bamboo, Johannesburg.
Carol Lee Fine Art, Johannesburg.
Wolseley Fine Art, London.
Crake Gallery, Johannesburg.
2002
Wolseley Fine Art, London.
Chelsea Arts Fair, London.
Crake Gallery, Johannesburg.
“Point of Departure”, Alliance Française , Johannesburg (SOLO).
2001
Wolseley Fine Art, London.
Crake Gallery, Johannesburg.
Gallery 101.3, Johannesburg.
“State of Grace”, Lennox Gallery, London (SOLO)
1996-2000
Crake Gallery, Johannesburg.
The Johannesburg Arts Foundation, Johannesburg.
Chris Tugwell Gallery, Pretoria.
Hyde Park Gallery, Johannesburg.
The Everard Read Gallery, Johannesburg.
Grace’s work is featured in numerous collections in South Africa, such as the Presidential Office in Cape Town, the Rector’s Office at the University of Bloemfontein and at various other locations in the country.
