The Oldest Academic Botanical Garden in South Africa hosts a Botanical Art and Photography Exhibition at the Garden Office

This exhibition will showcase the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden’s incredible impact on conservation, education and academic support while giving visitors the opportunity to relax, unwind, learn and explore. SUBG contributes to meaningful biodiversity conservation by sampling and managing ex situ collections of species and populations at risk of extinction according to global best practice criteria. 

Through the medium of Botanical Art and photography we focus on many Critically Endagered species in this year’s offering. Quite a few artists have spent time in the garden learning more about the ex situ conservation collections and documenting some of the plants in stunning renditions of the subjects. 

Says the specialist Botanical Art curator Karen Stewart: “Our artists are so passionate and knowledgeable about plants and bring out something individual about each plant painted. Their observational skills focus our attention on the wonderful world of plants, and the plight many find themselves in with habitat destruction. This year we are excited to introduce photography tpo the exhibition”.

“Our world-class Oxalis living collection and many other projects are only possible because of the collaboration between SUBG and Stellenbosch University academic colleagues”, says Garden Curator Don Kirkwood.

In 2023 a small collection of paintings was generously donated to the garden by some of the artists. The idea behind establishing a permanent collection here is to demonstrate the medicinal, economic, ecological and cultural relevance of plants for the survival and happiness of humankind, and to document rare and endangered species for posterity. This way the exhibition campaigns for the future conservation of these plants using art as a tool for social change.

All works are for sale on this second edition of the exhibition. Funds generated directly support the garden’s conservation work. We encourage collectors to buy works to donate to the garden’s collection.

THE 2024 EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS

Visitors can view the exhibition daily from 09:00 – 17:00 included in the entrance fee (R15 per person, R10 for pensioners, free of charge for Stellenbosch University students and staff). 

• Botanical Art and Photography exhibition: a curated selection of original works by South Africa’s top botanical artists and photographers.
• Rare plant vendors: indigenous and exotic succulents, carnivorous plants, rare aroids, bulbs, and loads of specialty plants including special releases of SUBG rare plants on the first weekend of the exhibition (28-29 September).
• Botanically-themed gifts, homeware, and décor sales. High-quality reproductions of botanical art and greeting cards.

SCHEDULED WALKABOUT TOURS

Garden Curator’s tour, covering conservation, the garden strategy and history, and much more. Join Dr Donovan Kirkwood, SUBG’s curator, for an hour-long walk in the garden sharing his wealth of knowledge, experience and vision for this unique place.

Art Curator’s tour, focussing on the art in the exhibition and highlighting some of the exeption works.

Artist’s Walkabout, one of our artists will give a walkabout to talk to the collection from the perspective of the artists. What does the artist see? How is the work made and why are some works exceptional?

CONTACT

Curator: Karen Stewart studio@karen-stewart.co.za 

For details and updates please visit 

www.sun.ac.za/botanicalgarden and click on the Events tab.