LIGHTSCAPES

SHADOWS OF LOADSHEDDING

"Lightscapes" is a sculptural installation by South African artist Damen Oosthuizen that addresses loadshedding in South Africa. The work uses brackets, steel straws, and metal washers to create miniature scenes that illustrate the effects of loadshedding - from broken appliances to increased crime.

The installation includes five scenes, each representing different consequences of power outages. When the lights are on, the shadows blend seamlessly with the white wall, becoming almost invisible. However, when the power goes out and candles are lit, the shadows shift dramatically, revealing the unseen struggles and adaptations that occur during loadshedding.

The process of wax dipping symbolizes the reliance on candles and alternative power sources that have become essential during these outages. The spray-painted brackets, which resemble electricity pylons, serve as a visual metaphor for the infrastructure that both provides and interrupts power.

Through this work, Oosthuizen invites viewers to reflect on the power crisis, its societal implications, and the resilience of communities that adapt to these challenges. "Lightscapes" transforms the absence of electricity into a presence of light, finding meaning in the shadows cast by candle flames.