The Kirstenbosch Biennale is the only botanical art
exhibition of its kind in the world featuring exclusively indigenous
southern African plants. This creates an awareness in the artists as
well as the public, of the amazing range of flora we have here in South
Africa.
Botanical art exhibitions are unique: The images need to
appeal in different ways. They have to work both as art - something to
appeal on
an aesthetic level, and as science - where they should be rendered
sufficiently accurately to be identifiable by a botanist.
These parallel requirements challenge the technical skills of the artist.
Unlike some contemporary artwork, botanicals can be appreciated by
everyone. The very best of the paintings and drawings are exquisite
representations of plants rendered with the unique vision of each
individual artist. The oft painted strelitzia, agapanthus or arum lily
adopts a new persona each time it is painted by a gifted botanical artist.
Given the unique perspective of each artist included in this show, the
paintings range from bold, brilliant flowers through to
minutely-observed dried seed heads.
The Kirstenbosch Biennale's programme includes walkabouts led by three
internationally renowned botanical artists and teachers. On Thursday 7
September at 6pm the walkabout will be led by Jenny Phillips, the
Australian botanical artist. On Sunday 10 September at 1pm, the American botanical and wildlife artist, Katie Lee, will lead a
walkabout of the exhibition. and on Wednesday 13 September at 10.30am,
Vicki Thomas will lead a
walkabout.
The Kirstenbosch Biennale is not only an exhibition, but a competition
too; medals are awarded by a panel of judges - professionals drawn from
the art and the botanical world.
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