Smokkel, 1997

"Smokkel was curated by Robert Weinek and Ian Waldeck. It formed part of the official Fringe of the 2nd Johannesburg Bienalle. The artists participating were Kevin Brand, Ian Waldeck, Barend de Wet, Peet Pienaar, Lisa Brice,  Werner Vermeulen and myself.

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The theme for the Bienalle was Trade Routes: History and Geography. We squatted a disused corner café in the middle of the Biennale precinct in downtown Johannesburg for the duration of the event.

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This act of squatting reflects ideas tied to trade, movement, occupation of space, and possibly resistance to traditional gallery systems—engaging directly with questions of geography, history, social movement  and commerce. Referencing a history of informal, subversive gathering spaces.

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We asked locals to set up a shebeen for some of the opening events and performances. In this context, the shebeen becomes not just a setting, but a living metaphor—a reclaimed space where art, politics, history, disordering and community intersect."

^BM

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Smokkel verb
South African Slang.
1. Deal in illicit liquor and drugs.
2. (Afrikaans)  to smuggle."

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