Botanical Art and Photography Exhibition – Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden

Botanical Art and Photography Exhibition at Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, the oldest Academic Botanical Garden in South Africa, opens on Saturday 28 September.

This year the exhibition showcases the exceptional works of 31 botanical artists and photographers. Many works pay homage to the the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden’s incredible impact on conservation and education by depicting many highly threatened species in the garden’s ex situ conservation collections. The garden gives visitors the opportunity to relax, unwind, learn and explore. SUBG contributes to meaningful biodiversity conservation by sampling and managing ex situ collections of species and populations at risk of extinction according to global best practice.

B Pretorius Brunsvigia josephinae

Through the medium of Botanical Art and Photography the exhibition delivers a urgent message to protect the incredible biodiversity that we have in the Cape. Quite a few artists have spent time in the garden learning more about the ex situ conservation collections and documenting some of the plants in stunning renditions of the subjects.

Says the specialist Botanical Art curator Karen Stewart: “Our artists are so passionate and knowledgeable about plants and bring out something individual about each plant painted. Their observational skills focus our attention on the wonderful world of plants, and the plight many find themselves in with habitat destruction. This year we are excited to introduce photography to the exhibition”.

“Our world-class Oxalis living collection and many other projects are only possible because of the collaboration between SUBG and Stellenbosch University academic colleagues”, says Garden Curator Don Kirkwood.

In 2023 a small collection of paintings was generously donated to the garden by some of the artists. The idea behind establishing a permanent collection here is to demonstrate the medicinal, economic, ecological and cultural relevance of plants for the survival and happiness of humankind, and to document rare and endangered species for posterity. This way the exhibition campaigns for the future conservation of these plants using art as a tool for social change.

• All works are for sale on this second edition of the exhibition. Funds generated directly support the garden’s conservation work. We encourage collectors to buy works to donate to the garden’s collection.

THE 2024 EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS
Visitors can view the exhibition daily from 09:00 – 17:00 included in the entrance fee (R15 per person, R10 for pensioners, free of charge for Stellenbosch University students and staff).
Botanical Art and Photography exhibition: a curated selection of original works by South Africa’s top botanical artists and photographers.
Rare plant vendors: indigenous and exotic succulents, carnivorous plants, rare aroids, bulbs, and loads of specialty plants including special releases of SUBG rare plants on the first weekend of the exhibition (28-29 September).
Botanically-themed gifts, homeware, and décor sales. High-quality reproductions of botanical art and greeting cards.

SCHEDULED WALKABOUT TOURS
Garden Curator’s tour, covering conservation, the garden strategy and history, and much more. Join Dr Donovan Kirkwood, SUBG’s curator, for an hour-long walk in the garden sharing his wealth of knowledge, experience and vision for this unique place.
Art Curator’s tour, focusing on the art in the exhibition and highlighting some of the exceptional works.
Artist’s Walkabout, one of our artists will give a walkabout to talk to the collection from the perspective of the artists. What does the artist see? How is the work made and why are some works exceptional?

Another MUST-DO when you come to the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees!

WHAT: Botanical Art and Photography Exhibition
WHERE: Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, Neethling St & Van Riebeeck St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7602
WHEN: 28 September – 6 October 2024 | 09:00 – 17:00
INFO: Curator: Karen Stewart E studio@karen-stewart.co.za  | VISIT – click on the Events tab.| See also Cape Town Green Map
ENTRY TO GARDEN: R15 per person, R10 for pensioners, free of charge for Stellenbosch University students and staff

LEAD PHOTO: Alex Jordaan – Gibbaeum species