Heart, Dimensions Variable (2004 – 2005) is a volumetric puzzle, constructed by assembling flat puzzle pieces to create a complete three-dimensional icon of a heart constructed on an ‘x’, ‘y’, and ‘z’ axis. The pieces are cut from 30 mm super wood at specific angles that interlock to create the three-dimensional shape.

The work sprouts from the notion that the artist/viewer is able to put parts of information together during the act of art making/viewing, resulting in what is perceived as whole - or as art - but this wholeness is temporary and dependent on either association or recognition.

On the one hand, Bester approaches the three-dimensional puzzle as a mathematical exercise whilst engaging and focusing on the process of making. On the other hand, hers’ is a quest into discovering the possibilities of the sculptural object itself: She explores the ways in which the object can be assembled, reassembled and reconfigured in different spaces and to different extent -still recognizable yet always temporal.

Dimensions Variable can be displayed in various stages of assembly.

Artist’s Biography

Lynette Bester is a twenty seven years old artist and part-time lecturer in “Fine Art Theory and Discourse” at the University of Cape Town and Ruth Prowse School of Art. She completed a BA (1999) and MA in Fine Art (cum laude) at the University of Stellenbosch (2002). At present she is a committee member of the Association of Visual Art (AVA) and is also Co-Chair of the steering committee of the Visual Arts Network of South Africa (VANSA), Western Cape.