Mark Rautenbach

(b 1964, South Africa. Lives and works in Cape Town)

Mark Rautenbach's interdisciplinary practice involves knitting; public performance and craft-like studio work. He has alternately used the names of Mark Splendid and Mark Maria; and regularly returns to materials such as repurposed thread; paper and yarn. For Rautenbach; the practice of knitting by hand sits outside of current economic rationale; expressing something that the pace of contemporary life and its functions cannot. “It takes a lot of time; placing me in a liminal space;” he says. “Knitting expresses a deep care; a deep concern for a willingness or commitment to sit with things even when they are uncomfortable.” Rautenbach believes these kinds of time-consuming activities are essential and necessary aspects of being.”