Design & Decor

The Joy of Uncovering Stellenbosch’s Hidden Art

Stellen Bosch Art

Have you ever walked past something every day, its presence lingering just on the edge of your awareness, yet never stopping to explore its full story?

For years, I found myself captivated by a curious artwork on the wall of an old Cape Dutch building in Stellenbosch. Its details were alluring—so much so that I often wondered whether it was an advertisement from the past or something more profound. But, as is often the case with the familiar, I let it fade into the background of my routine, until one day, my curiosity got the better of me.

Stellenbosch, with its cobbled streets and centuries-old buildings, is a place where history and modernity intertwine seamlessly. The art, in particular, is something that stands as a testament to this blending of eras. I embarked on a quest to uncover the origins of that mysterious piece of art and found myself diving headfirst into the rich and varied world of the Stellenbosch Sculpture Trust.

The Trust is a remarkable organisation, committed to making art an integral part of Stellenbosch’s daily life. Their mission is to weave art into the fabric of the town, turning public spaces into places of contemplation and inspiration. This ethos is vividly expressed through the Stellenbosch Triennale, a major cultural event that draws together diverse artistic talents and creates a dialogue between the old and the new.

My search for that elusive artwork eventually led me to one of the Trust’s most recent exhibitions: the 2024 Ceramic Art Exhibition, titled “(Un)earthed.” This exhibition was nothing short of a revelation. Held in Stellenbosch’s historic heart, it showcases the incredible versatility and depth of ceramic art. As I wandered through the exhibition, I was struck by the artists’ ability to transform the earth into something both fragile and enduring, reflecting the very essence of Stellenbosch itself.

The artists featured in “(Un)earthed” explore the elemental forces of earth and fire, pushing the boundaries of what ceramic art can be. Their works range from delicate, almost ethereal pieces to bold, tactile creations that demand interaction. Each piece tells a story—sometimes personal, sometimes universal—but always deeply connected to the material world.

What struck me most was how this exhibition encapsulates the spirit of discovery that had first led me on this journey. It’s a reminder that art, much like the hidden stories within the walls of Stellenbosch’s old buildings, is always there, waiting to be uncovered by those who seek it out.

So, next time you’re walking through Stellenbosch or any other town steeped in history and culture, let your curiosity guide you. You never know where a simple question—a “what if” or “where does this come from?”—might lead. For me, it led to a deeper appreciation of the art that surrounds us, often unnoticed but always there, inviting us to explore and understand the world in new ways.

And now, when I pass by that Cape Dutch building and see the art on its wall, I smile, knowing the journey it inspired. A journey that, in the end, was as much about discovering something new as it was about understanding something familiar in a completely different light.

📍 Wim Botha > 6 Ryneveld Street
📍 Githan Coopoo > R44, Die Boord
📍 Madoda Fani courtesy of Southern Guild > Drostdy Street
📍 Ceramic Matters > 15 Mark St (Black Horse Centre)
📍 Lucinda Mudge Studio > Church Street
📍 Ben Orkin courtesy of WHATIFTHEWORLD > Die Braak
📍 Marlene Steyn courtesy of SMAC Gallery > Dorpsteeg
📍 Maryke Van Velden > Mark Street

If you’re intrigued by this blend of discovery and history, take a moment to explore the latest exhibitions by the Stellenbosch Sculpture Trust. The Stellenbosch Triennale and the 2024 Ceramic Art Exhibition offer a glimpse into the rich artistic heritage that continues to thrive in this remarkable town.

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