The La Motte Museum introduces a new art exhibition entitled, Land Rewoven. Presented in collaboration with Barnard Gallery, this new addition to the Franschhoek Valley estate’s acclaimed offering, comprises a considered body of work by MJ Lourens in conversation with selected paintings of JH Pierneef from the La Motte Museum collection. The inspiration for this exhibition lies in recontextualising Pierneef’s well-known oeuvre within a contemporary dialogue.
The exhibition explores the interpretation of land by two South African artists from different generations whose work could broadly be classified within the same genre. Lourens’ expansive land- and cityscapes composed of skies, clouds, trees and industria invite the viewer to join an exchange of ideas surrounding themes of geographical place, memory and identity and to interpret them in relation to Pierneef’s work.
Pierneef is celebrated for his depiction of the natural beauty of the Southern African landscape, although his interests also included scenes of domestic architecture, city views and mining scenes. Underscored by the philosophies of Willem van Konijnenburg, Pierneef’s work represents harmony and order in nature through a strict use of linearity and geometry. He believed that the best way to capture the landscape was in emphasising its magnificence and enhancing its monumentality.
Lourens’ work, despite elements of visual resemblance, subtly resists the perfect harmony and rationality of the untainted traditional landscape. His practice involves an ongoing process of observing a more urban South African landscape. Concerns about human presence and development are thoughtfully interpreted and indicate an awareness of the activity outside the picture frame – acknowledging a complicated landscape.
Art Experience:
For La Motte’s Tuesday morning Art Experiences, a weekly exhibition walkabout will be presented on an alternating basis by the artist MJ Lourens and La Motte Museum Curator, Elzette de Beer. The Art Experience concludes with a glass of wine from the award-winning Pierneef Collection and a Winelands Cheese Plate from Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant.
Walkabout only: R80 per person / Walkabout with cheese plate and wine: R250.
Visitors are invited to meet Lourens for an artist led exhibition walkabout on the following dates:
Tuesday 27 August 10:00
Tuesday 17 September 10:00
Tuesday 19 November 10:00
Tuesday 17 December 10:00
Tuesday 7 January 10:00
The Publication:
Land Rewoven is accompanied by a hard-cover limited-edition exhibition publication. This signed and editioned book with a scholarly text by Hayden Proud, Curator at Iziko South African National Gallery, will be launched during Art Franschhoek on 26th October 2019 when MJ Lourens will be in conversation with Barnard Gallery Creative Director, Alastair Whitton.
Exhibition info:
Venue: La Motte Museum, La Motte Wine Estate
Date: 9 August 2019 – 12 January 2020
Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays: 09:00 – 17:00
The La Motte Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 – 17:00 (For winter hours: www.la-motte.com) Closed on Christian Religious holidays.
Entrance is free.
Contact Details
T: +27 (0)21 876 8850
