Curator, Karen Stewart, introduces renowned artists and exciting new talent to local and international visitors at the much anticipated, and long awaited return of the Botanical Art exhibition at The Old Mutual Hall, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens from 14 to 25 April 2023.
The details
Botanical art is experiencing a revival worldwide coinciding with an increasing interest and investment in saving the planet. PLANT 2023, presented by the Botanical Artists Association of South Africa (BAASA) takes this interest to a new level by painting the eco-systems, pollinators, creatures and natural elements that interact with the beautiful floral kingdom and revealing an exquisite story, giving visitors an insight into a fascinating natural world.
PLANT 2023 attract art enthusiasts, nature lovers, horticulturists and garden enthusiasts and promises to ignite a passion in everyone for the natural world which we live in at the southern tip of Africa. The exhibition brings an exquisite and professionally curated showcase of the best South African botanical art depicting indigenous plants of Southern Africa.
Stewart says that it is fitting to hold the exhibition at Kirstenbosch, which forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to showcase so many of the indigenous plants that make up the renowned environment. Botanical art is beginning to gain popularity for investors and consumers who love to show these exquisite drawings and paintings in their homes. PLANT 2023 offers a platform for visitors to buy works, meet artists and be exposed to this exciting world.
In the spirit of revival, like the Fire Lily after a burn, the exhibition attracts artists willing to take risks, push their boundaries, and flex their creative muscle to make some truly remarkable and unique works. Indigenous plants of Southern Africa include the richest, most diverse biomes on the planet, boasting many rare and varieties of species. These plants are showcased at Kirstenbosch in April. The exhibition tells unique stores about each plant portrait.
The exhibition highlights:
1. “The Mystical World of Plants” for larger scale botanical works.
2. “Macro Mysteries” for smaller works showing details of plants, pollinators and seeds.
3. A retail section for the selling of botanical cards, prints, art materials and botanically related products.
Entry into the exhibition is free, although entry to Kirstenbosch is charged. There is an exciting programme of artist’s walks, demos, films and workshops to make the space one of enrichment, learning and fulfilment.