The Franschhoek Valley has received international acclaim for the quality of its wines, the exceptional standard of its restaurants and its varied and popular tourism offering. Another attribute is Franschhoek’s wonderful selection of art – to be seen and enjoyed in galleries, museums and craft venues. Celebrating this diverse art offering, the Valley hosts a month-long festival, Art Franschhoek, opening on 27 October 2017.
La Motte's passion for art and the conservation of especially the South African art heritage, is well documented and the estate is excited to participate in the festivities with two exhibitions. Both pay tribute to artists no longer with us, but who have played an influential role in the development and movement of modern painting and contemporary ceramics in South Africa.
Hosted in the La Motte Museum and Maturation Cellar respectively, the two exhibitions promise guests an exceptional meeting with South African art.
- Die Kraal: Homage to the work of ceramicist Nicolene Swanepoel (1962 – 2016). During the last months of her life, renowned ceramicist and artist Nicolene (Nikki) Swanepoel was personally engaged with the graphic work of JH Pierneef for her last (though unfinished) commission for La Motte. Her focus was specifically on Pierneef’s acclaimed linocuts for ceramic plates and as a design element for her renowned ceramic cattle heads. Die Kraal: Homage to the work of ceramicist Nicolene Swanepoel, showcases complete and incomplete pieces of this project, sourced from her now silent studio in Grabouw. The pieces, inclusive of plates in various sizes and shapes, document and share the different project phases, Swanepoel’s technique as well as her inspiration.
- A Tribute to the life and work of JH Pierneef (1886 – 1957). This special exhibition celebrates the SA master’s contribution to South African art and enhances the museum’s permanent heritage collection with selected artworks and personal artefacts from private and public collections in South Africa. Through this exhibition of over 100 artworks, key aspects and periods are identified to introduce JH Pierneef – the man, the artist and his heritage.
Comparisons between Pierneef and Nikki Swanepoel are highlighted by focusing on their graphic work and prints, inspiration and subjects: Swanepoel’s incorporation of her veterinarian background, using animals and human-animal interaction as subject and Pierneef using the human-nature interaction in various artistic principles. Both artists were inspired by the arts and crafts of indigenous cultures and, through La Motte’s exhibitions, subtle reference is given to the shared subjects, yet contrasting views of the two artists.
Exhibition info:
A Tribute to the life and work of JH Pierneef (1886 – 1957)
On exhibition in the La Motte Museum until 17 January 2018
Tuesdays to Sundays, 09:00 - 17:00 (closed on Mondays)
Complimentary entry
Die Kraal – homage to the work of ceramicist Nicolene Swanepoel (1962 – 2016)
Exhibited in the La Motte Maturation Cellar, adjacent to the Wine Tasting Room, until 26 November 2017
Monday to Saturday, 09:00 - 17:00 (closed on Sundays)
Complimentary entry
Talk – JH Pierneef: A period of Discovery and Mastery
Presented by Alastair Meredith (Art Specialist at Strauss & Co.), the talk borrows its title from art historian Esmé Berman’s well-known description of the artist’s mid-career years.
Saturday, 28 October 2017 at 12:30.
Cost: R50 pp (talk) / R350 pp (talk and 2-course Pierneef-inspired lunch in Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant)
To book: Online / T +27 (0)21 876 8850 / E museum@la-motte.co.za
A guided tour of the two exhibitions: A Tribute to the life and work of JH Pierneef and Die Kraal: homage to the work of ceramicist Nicolene Swanepoel presented by curator Eliz-Marié Schoonbee. Explaining the various eras, themes, subjects and styles of Pierneef at the hand of the more than 100 original Pierneef works featured, the curator also shares some personal stories and interests of Pierneef, with reference to the memorabilia on display. The focus on Pierneef is enhanced by the pop-up exhibition focusing on Nicolene Swanepoel’s Pierneef-inspired ceramic plates and ceramic cattle heads.
An introduction to La Motte’s further Pierneef associations follows: A tasting of the acclaimed Pierneef Collection of wines and Chef Michelle Theron’s interpretation of Pierneef’s Premier Mine painting as a cheese course, in Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant.
Tuesday mornings at 10:30
Cost: R250 pp (full experience) / R70 pp (guided tour and tasting)
To book: Online / T +27 (0)21 876 8850 / E museum@la-motte.co.za
For more information on the exhibitions and reservations, please contact Eliz-Marié Schoonbee at T +27 (0)21 876 8850 or E museum@la-motte.co.za
