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Nuno
Da Cruz’s early work was strongly influenced by the graphic artwork of
comics, which he collected as a child and to some extent still does.
Favoured were DC and Marvel comics from the 60s, 70s and 80s. The obvious
connection with Pop Art and Liechtenstein, with his direct copying of
comics, is a theme, which continued to develop with his later works. These
works were executed in thick oils in contrast to the flatness of the
printed medium. Da
Cruz’s later work develops an interest in advertising, with particulr
emphasis on retro product branding using images out of old magazines such
as Drum, Huisgenoot, Die Fleur and Popular Mechanics dating from the 40s
to the 70s. He incorporated today’s product packaging and images from
classic science fiction films, creating a dynamic and surreal world. A
world where ancient tribalism, the present western lifestyle and future
space travel and colonization all coexist in time. The works were large,
resembling movie/advertising billboards, executed in oils, spray paint and
enamel. The
last show emphasised a shift from product branding to closer investigation
of the actual product packaging and the informational directions for its
usage. He investigated a darker theme, that of airline disaster,
introducing informational and explanatory graphics associated with air
travel, airport signage, airline safety cards and on-board travel
information. These works were executed through the use of silkscreen,
pencils and acrylics. Da
Cruz’s latest investigation is of modernist architecture, especially in its feature details - that of patterns bordering on geometric abstraction. The works focus on buildings in and around
Gauteng and their relationship with the people that use and live in them. The
exhibition promises a thought-provoking journey into our surroundings and
our relationship with the modern landscape. “Sunrise”
featured:
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