Michael Amery is a painter of landscapes shaped and moulded by humankind. His methodical drawing and painting techniques mimic the construction of scenery by human industry, but his interest in the land as holding a symbolic value of culture and identity is something we discuss in this episode. Alien plant species that have become iconic visual markers of South African land are charged to display beauty despite the conflicting circumstances of their colonial history. Whether natural or man-made the far reaching effects of humanity’s impact on land are deeply felt in Michael’s visual and intellectual pursuits on canvas.

Michael's Website: https://michaelamery.com/

Michael's Gallery: https://www.131agallery.com/

NOTES from our discussion for further interest:

David Krut Projects is a gallery and print studio based in Johannesburg.

Jane Bennett is an American political theorist and philosopher. We discuss ideas from her influential book "Vibrant Matter: A Political Ecology of Things" published in 2009.

You can visit the Pierneef station panels at the La Motte Gallery in Franschoek and the Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch. 

Many thanks to Latitude Aparthotel for the use of their recording studio run by the delightful Sean Loots. And a special thank you to Gerald Kent for the editing and audio boost production.

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