CONTEMPLATION BY TRUDI DICKS

At its core, contemplation is an act of deep consideration – a quiet dialogue between the self and the world. It is in this meditative space that the late Trudi Dicks’ work finds resonance, inviting viewers into a space where thought and emotion merge seamlessly with colour, form and texture.

Opening on 29 March at The Project Room, Contemplation is an exhibition that celebrates Dicks’ mastery of abstraction and her lifelong exploration of artistic techniques. This collection of works, largely consisting of linocuts layered with vibrant hues, is a testament to her technical prowess and intuitive connection to the natural world. Each piece serves as an invitation to pause, to immerse oneself in its intricate layers and to engage in the silent act of seeing.

Dicks’ approach to abstraction was never arbitrary. Instead, it stemmed from a profound engagement with her surroundings. The Namibian landscape, with its vast horizons, shifting light and organic rhythms, informed her artistic vocabulary. Her work, while non-representational, evokes the essence of these natural elements – the quiet persistence of nature and how she experienced and engaged with it.

The act of contemplation is also evident in Dicks’ process. Linocut, a medium requiring precision and patience, was one of her preferred methods of expression. Through it, she developed unique techniques of layering and carving, allowing colour and form to interact in ways that create both depth and movement. The works in this exhibition capture this dynamic interplay, with overlapping tones and etched textures revealing the artist’s meticulous yet instinctive hand.

Throughout her career, Dicks’ work evolved with an almost philosophical sense of inquiry. Her early monochromatic prints, marked by their stark contrasts and bold compositions, gave way to increasingly complex and colourful explorations. This evolution was not just technical but deeply personal – an ongoing conversation with her own artistic impulses and lived experiences. Born with a hearing impairment, Dicks was acutely attuned to the visual world, and this heightened sense of perception translated into compositions that pulse with energy and life.

Contemplation is more than a retrospective; it is a tribute to an artist who saw the world with a unique intensity and transformed that vision into a lasting visual oeuvre. Her works do not demand immediate understanding; rather, they encourage an unfolding experience, much like the slow realisation that comes with deep thought.

As we engage with these works, we are reminded of the value of stillness, of allowing ourselves the space to truly look, absorb and reflect. In a world that moves at an ever- accelerating pace, Contemplation offers a necessary pause – an opportunity to engage with art not as a fleeting visual encounter, but as a profound and immersive experience.

Trudi Dicks’ legacy reflects a deep commitment to artistic exploration. Through this collection, we honour not only her technical brilliance but also the spirit of contemplation that defined her practice. Her work remains a guiding presence, urging us to slow down, to observe and to find meaning in the spaces between colour and form, between thought and emotion, between art and life. Contemplation will be on show at The Project Room until 25 April.