South Africa is home to some of the most diverse and unique plant life in the world, and world-class botanical artists, illustrators and photographers. These come together at the third annual Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden (SUBG) Botanical Art Exhibition, running for four months from 13 September 2025.
Curated by specialist botanical art curator Karen Stewart, the exhibition brings together 34 top South African artists and photographers. Artistic celebration of nature is combined with scientific rigour, showcasing the detail and unique characteristics of local plants in in the way only botanical illustration can.
This year introduces new talents alongside established names, so visitors can expect a fresh perspective on a traditional art form. Julie Ah-Fa’s recent Gold Medal-winning collection for the Royal Horticultural Society is set to be a focal point of the exhibition. Other highlights include Chris Lochner’s Mimetes cucullatus and Basia Swiel’s Strelitzia nicolai as well as less common subjects such as Aponogeton distachyos (Martine Robinson), Conophytum herreanthus (Janet Snyman), Gladiolus recurvus (Celeste de Cock) and Oxalis oriethala (Annette Faul).
Beyond the art, the exhibition gives voice to the plight of plants and raises awareness of plant conservation work. More than 40% of Cape flora is Red Listed in a category conservation concern, many at real risk of extinction within the next decade. The artworks play a crucial role in plant identification, research, and conservation, while also encouraging visitors to look closer at the biodiversity around them. In the light of the recent tragic death of Dr Donovan Kirkwood, this exhibition will be a tribute to his work at the garden and his love for botanical art.
We are also fortunate to have buyers who invest and support the consistent growth of this micro industry. Many artists have seen their works enter prestigious collections through this exhibition. All works are for sale, with proceeds shared between the artists and garden, making every purchase an investment in the future of botanical art. Collectors may contact the curator for a catalogue for a catalogue to reserve works ahead of the opening on 13 September. The garden shop will be selling garden themed gifts and the garden restaurant will be open for lunches.
SUBG is committed to ensuring the survival of many threatened South African species, and through their active role in plant conservation many plants species may be saved from future extinction. The ground breaking work Dr Kirkwood was involved in will be continued through the staff and interns he has mentored. This exhibition highlights the garden’s role In conservation, education and research while giving visitors the opportunity to relax, learn and explore, and delight in celebration of our flora.
Visitor information
- Exhibition dates: 13 September 2025 – 16 January 2026
- Exhibition hours: 8:00 – 17:00
- Entry: Included In garden admission (R15 per person, R10 pensioners, free for SU staff and students)
- Features: curated art and photography, themed gifts and homeware, high-quality reproductions of botanical art and greeting cards, guided walkabouts with artists, curator and botanists
- Art Curator walkabout 10:00 on Sunday 14th September (booking is essential via Razelle@sun.ac.za)
- Botanist Rupert Koopman will give a walkabout of the garden and the exhibition, talking about specific plants on the exhibition and highlighting their conservation story. Date Saturday 18th October at 11:00 (booking is essential via Razelle@sun.ac.za)
- Updates: follow @subotgarden on Instagram, or Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden on Facebook
CONTACT
Art Curator: Karen Stewart studio@karen-stewart.co.za 072 719 6136