Interviewer: What can we expect from the show?
Lionel: Well the show is going to be multidisciplinary which means I have a whole combination of works. I have prints and sculpture and painting instead of just having paintings.
Interviewer: Tell me about the preparation that goes into that.
Lionel: I have different parts in my studio, so I have a printing studio, I have a painting studio, and a sculpting studio. Then I have teams that work together with me, helping me to produce the works. I make everything myself but I need people to help coordinate. Specifically, in relation to the sculpture, it’s a process of welding things.
Interviewer: Tell me about being an artist in South Africa.
Lionel: It’s amazing being an artist in South Africa just because we have such raw talent and a lot of developing talent. The artworld is a growing discovery that the country is evolving to accept as the norm with the Joburg Art Fair has been running for years now and compared to places like London it’s a very saturated market. There are a lot of art and art fairs and it is the norm so I think in South Africa it’s nice to know that there are a growing community and a growing awareness of art.
Interviewer: Do you think South Africans appreciate art the same way as other cities do?
Lionel: I think there’s a big art community in South Africa and I’m sure that community appreciates art as any other. I think people appreciate work in the same way and on the same level as other countries.