PHOTOS Michael Le Grange, Mike Hall
Boschendal and Norval Foundation have formed a partnership that will introduce guests visiting the much-loved historic Winelands farm to some of South Africa, and the continent’s, top artists.
The partnership will see the establishment of a series of satellite art exhibitions hosted at Boschendal’s historic Manor House and surrounding grounds. Respected as one of the country’s oldest farms, with deep cultural and community roots stretching back to 1685, Boschendal’s collaboration with Norval further reflects the farm’s commitment to celebrating emerging creative talent through arts and culture.
“The combination of Boschendal’s rich cultural heritage and the Norval Foundation’s unparalleled access to contemporary African art will create an extraordinary experience for all our guests,” says Georgie Davidson, CEO at Boschendal. “We are proud to introduce this unique showcase blending history, art and innovation, and look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world to our historic farm to join us in celebrating inspiring South African and African creative talent.”
The Norval Foundation was founded in 2018 and has established itself as a premier centre for the research, education and exhibition of 20th and 21st-century visual art from South Africa and beyond.
Elana Brundyn, Education and Development Partner of Norval Foundation, says: “We are honoured to partner with Boschendal and especially proud to mark our first satellite project on this beautiful historical farm, to create more opportunities for learning through art and culture, and to reach a more expansive audience. “
Visitors will be welcomed by a contemporary collection of art that contrasts with the Manor House’s rich history, providing a nuanced experience for art lovers. The first year’s programming will be drawn from Norval Foundation’s Homestead Collection, which features artists from across Africa, but with a strong Southern Africa representation. Exhibitions will rotate every three to four months and admission is free.
Visual activist Zanele Muholi‘s ongoing photographic series Somnyama Ngonyama (‘Hail, the Dark Lioness’) is currently on view. Concurrent to the exhibition within, a series of sculptures will be on display in the grounds surrounding the Manor House, continuing the dialogue between past and present with work by Kyle Morland and two sculptures by Edoardo Villa on display.
In addition to the museum-quality exhibitions on show in the Manor House, a bespoke art retail section will be introduced alongside it and will include, to start with, unique clay vases by designer and sculptor Githan Coopoo specifically created for Boschendal. The exhibition Githan Coopoo: Structural Integrity will be the artist’s first solo exhibition and will be on display until the end of January. The art retail offering is a perfect complement to the farm’s recently launched omnichannel retail offering that delivers a selection of locally sourced goods to South African homes.
The Norval Foundation and Boschendal’s first collaborative exhibition is now on display at Boschendal. Admission is free to all visitors.
Looking for more on local art? Take a look at KRONE X WHATIFTHEWORLD‘s beautifully curated showcase of 40 artists under the age of 40.
