artist
James Webb

South Africa 1975. Lives and works in Cape Town.

In his work, James Webb explores the nature of belief and dynamics of language in the contemporary world, often using humour. His work There Is A Light That Never Goes Out is permanently installed on the façade of the foundation’s Headquarters and appropriates the title of the 1986 hit song by the seminal British band “The Smiths”. Translated into Arabic, and manifested in white neon that is illuminated at night, the lyrics are removed from their origins, and acquire site-specific associations. The work’s placement establishes it as part of the landscape, formulating it as a new geographical point in the city, as well as a non-commercial, publicly-accessible text that is open to personal interpretation.

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