We are delighted to announce a new seasonal exhibition in the recently introduced Ateljee on the estate. Entitled Landmarks, this exhibition focuses on an autumnal theme with leatherwork and watercolour painting and will run from 29 March to 8 June.
Continuing the La Motte family’s passion for art, the Ateljee, meaning studio in Afrikaans, is a creative space to engage with artworks, artists and makers. With its second theme since opening mid-December 2024, the Ateljee invites guests to enjoy an exhibition inspired by Autumn, to meet the makers, experience the creative processes and even participate in the creation.
Autumn is a season of quiet transition. After the rush of harvest, the land exhales, embracing stillness before the winter rains arrive. It is a moment of reflection, a natural landmark in the cycle of seasons. This exhibition explores the idea of landmarks through two distinct yet deeply connected materials: leather and watercolour. Each, in its own way, marks time, preserves history, and tells a story of the land.
Leather, shaped by skilled artisans, carries the weight of tradition. The same hands that craft some of the beautiful and bespoke leather goods in the La Motte Farm Shop are also masters of equestrian leatherwork. Their craft reflects an understanding and love for their medium and celebrates the unique ability of leather to strengthen with age and tell a story with the imprints of time.
Watercolour, in contrast, serves as a precise and interpretive lens, capturing the botanical richness, symbolic elements and architectural details of La Motte with meticulous observation. Each brushstroke, layered with intention, preserves moments in time to document the land.
Together, these materials speak to the rhythms of nature and craftsmanship, one shaped by the elements, the other by careful study. Just as La Motte’s farm, vineyards, and artistic heritage intertwine, so too do these traditions, marking landmarks in time and honouring the land and those who work with it.
Visitors to the La Motte Ateljee can expect warm, earthy tones and textures reminiscent of rich soil and the full-bodied hue of red wine, marking a seasonal shift and a landmark in time. The exhibition also includes a series of engaging workshops, and visitors can purchase products crafted by the featured artists at the La Motte Farm Shop.
Artists featured in Landmarks include:
Faber Collective - Leatherwork
Claudia Faber - Botanical watercolour painting
Libby Bell - Detailed observational painting
Jolene Olivier - Raw pigment watercolour painting on canvas
Sera Holland - Painterly ceramics
Programme of Workshops:
Hands-on leather learning with Johan Faber
29, 30 March & 3, 4, 5, 6 April
Join Johan Faber for a full-day or half day leather workshop at La Motte Ateljee, where you’ll explore the time-honoured tradition of leatherwork through cutting, stitching, embossing, and finishing techniques. This hands-on experience allows you to make your own leather products. More detail and reservations.
Botanical Watercolours with Claudia Faber
29, 30 March & 3, 4, 5, 6 April
Enjoy an immersive full-day botanical watercolour workshop led by artist Claudia Faber. This in-depth experience is designed for those wanting to delve deep into watercolour techniques, focusing on layering, blending, and expressive mark-making to bring botanical subjects to life. More detail and reservations.
Detailed Observational Watercolours with Libby Bell
12 April & 17 May
Join Libby Bell for a creative journey into botanical watercolour, where she’ll guide you through technique and expression. Designed for both beginners and experienced artists, this session will introduce you to some of her most loved and well-used watercolour techniques for botanical illustration. More detail and reservations.
Paint your own canvas
This interactive art experience is available to visitors to the estate from Wednesdays to Sundays. Brush up on your creativity and create a painting at your leisure over a glass of wine in the Ateljee Workspace. More detail & reservations.
The second half of the Autumn Workshop Programme set for late April and May will be announced shortly.
Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 – 17:00
Contact: Curator, Nina Kruger. T: +27 (0)21 876 8850 / curator.ateljee@la-motte.co.za
