‘Living in today’s democratic “rainbow nation”, Kannemeyer sees no reason to stop antagonising anyone, no matter what colour, who abuses power.’ Paul Gravett, Art Review ‘The beauty of Kannemeyer’s work is in the jarringly funny contrast between its cheerful, seemingly innocent style and its reflection of the hideous underbelly of South African politics and society.’ Ken Johnson, The New York Times
Anton Kannemeyer, AKA Joe Dog, has been publishing and exhibiting his work since 1992, the year he and Conrad Botes founded Bitterkomix as students at the University of Stellenbosch. Based in Cape Town, Kannemeyer exhibits regularly in South Africa, Europe and the United States. Previous books include Pappa in Afrika (2010) and The Big Bad Bitterkomix Handbook (2006), both published by Jacana, and the anthology Bitterkomix (2009), translated into French and published by L’Association.
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ALPHABET OF DEMOCRACY Anton Kannemeyer
‘Anton Kannemeyer’s Alphabet of Democracy series is brilliantly ironic, wicked and insightful. These works will undoubtedly become South African icons in their own right.’ Nechama Brodie, The Sunday Times
Anton Kannemeyer’s Alphabet of Democracy is an illustrated A to Z guide to the absurdities of life in the democratic South Africa. Kannemeyer subverts the myth of the ‘rainbow nation’ with acute humour and critique, dissecting the issues, events and personalities that confound the country in this series of paintings, drawings and prints.
The artist would like to thank Dominique and Adi Enthoven, Andy Mason, Jan Verboom, Ravi Gajjar, Bridget Impey, Sophie Perryer, Gabrielle Guy, Mario Todeschini, Michael Stevenson and everyone at the Michael Stevenson and Jack Shainman galleries.
The support of the Spier Arts Trust is gratefully acknowledged
First published by Jacana Media (Pty) Ltd in 2010 10 Orange Street, Sunnyside, Auckland Park 2092, South Africa +27 11 628 3200 | www.jacana.co.za Š for images Anton Kannemeyer 2010 Š for text Andy Mason 2010 All rights reserved ISBN 978-1-43140-077-5 Editorial direction Michael Stevenson, Sophie Perryer Design and layout Gabrielle Guy Photography Jan Verboom, Mario Todeschini, Kathy Skead Printed by Hansa Print, Cape Town See a complete list of Jacana titles at www.jacana.co.za
For Claudette Schreuders
ANTON KANNEMEYER
JACANA
MICHAEL STEVENSON
JACK SHAINMAN GALLERY
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