esther mahlangu
South African artist, Esther Mahlangu, is currently at the VMFA painting two large-scale murals. In a few weeks I will film her in conversation with the curator of African Art and make a short video profile of her and her work.
Esther Mahlangu uses a painting technique from her Ndebela region, handed down through generations of women. Traditionally such large scale murals are painted on the sides of houses. Her brushes include chicken feathers, which enable her to create fine lines of paint, all of which are hand-done without any tape or straight edge guides.
SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now)
I just finished two videos for Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now). SCAN does amazing work in Richmond–from prevention to advocacy to treatment for children and families affected by child abuse and neglect.
The most challenging aspect of this project was figuring out how to show SCAN’s work visually, since due to legal reasons I could not show children and families receiving SCAN’s help. I had to think a bit more abstractly: what does fear at home feel like? Maybe a closing door at the end of a dark hallway. Or a happy childhood? The freedom of swinging in the summertime.
The first video is an intro to SCAN’s work and mission. The second is a more in-depth look at SCAN’s five programs:
“Clap Along!”
I spent this week filming senior citizens dancing, and, wow, they got some moves!
September 22-27, Richmond is celebrating “Active Aging Week”–a partnership among VCU Department of Gerontology, Arthritis Foundation, and Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging. And I was hired to produce a remake of Pharrell Williams’s “Happy” video. Here are some great screen shots. Video coming soon!
Sabot at Stony Point
With the start of school this week, I’m excited to unveil two videos I produced for Sabot at Stony Point, an independent school in Richmond for children in preschool through eighth grade.
Twin Nieces
I became an aunt this summer! Welcome to the world, Charlotte and Maeve. I’m so grateful I got to spend a few days helping take care of these tiny, precious beings.
The Beach House
Every August, I spend a week with my husband’s extended family at a house in Connecticut on the Long Island Sound. This is one of our favorite places in the world. A place for solitude and community. A place for rest and activity. The house is large and rustic. It teaches us to be open to the wind and to find each other on the wide front porch.
Updated Website & New Logo
Welcome to the new and vastly improved brigetganske.com!
While the portfolio page highlights my best work, I’ll use this “News” section to tell more of the story behind my projects, give updates on current assignments, share more photos, and keep you posted on upcoming shows and exhibits.
I’m also excited to unveil my new logo–initials, glasses, infinity, symmetry–so many ways to see it. So many ways to see the world!