The Art Collection of Huberte Rupert is currently on exhibition at the Rupert Museum, and Art Curator Eliz-Marie Schoonbee talks us through 3 generations of the family’s passion for art and the background to this unique and personal collection.
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Eliz-Marie Schoonbee explains the shared passion for art by Huberte and Anton Rupert from the 1940’s through to the early 2000’s, which led to the building of the Rupert Museum in 2005 to house this collection. At that stage the museum was static and essentially home to ‘the big five’ – artists Irma Stern (1894-1966), Cecil Higgs (1898-1986), Maggie Laubser (1886-1973), Jean Welz (1900-1975) and Anton van Wouw (1862-1945).
It was granddaughter Hanneli Rupert Elias who since 2018 has been focusing on public programming and creating an exciting space that is more accessible. in the photo above she is seen with father Johan Rupert, and architect Roelof Van Wyk, commissioned to make the museum more welcoming and inclusive.
It was Johan Rupert who has been responsible for keeping this private collection intact and open to the public. This hands-on approach is being encouraged in the family and the great grandchildren are showing an ongoing passion for art.
Penny Siopis
Although it is a ‘closed’ collection, the idea is to showcase the work and provide context by inviting artists to engage in conversation with the works.
The launch of the book “The Art Collection of Huberte Rupert – South African Art of the 20th Century” features over 100 images of the works seen on the exhibition. The book includes work featured in the Rembrandt van Rijn Foundation sponsored Cape Town Triennials (1982–1991). The works acquired by these young artists at that time include William Kentridge, Penny Siopis and Philippa Hobbs.
The Collection on exhibition has documentary videos of ‘the big five’, while the contemporary artists are introduced through recent studio photos.
Congratulations to the Rupert Family for making the Art Collection of Huberte Rupert accessible to the viewing public and continuing to reach out and surprise!
WHAT: ART COLLECTION OF HUBERTE RUPERT
WHERE: RUPERT MUSEUMÂ Stellentia Avenue, Stellenbosch, 7600
WHEN: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00 | Admission is FREE
INFO: T +27 21 888 3344 | E info@rupertmuseum.org | VISIT | See also Art Collection of Huberte Rupert & Book Launch at Rupert Museum | PHOTO: Johan Rupert, Hanneli Rupert & Roelof Van Wyk.
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