Art lovers in Bloemfontein can view three exhibitions currently on show at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum. Giving art lovers a real treat, the exhibitions showcase works that formed part of the Vrystaat Arts Festival 2023 held in Bloemfontein.
This art feast will officially close on Sunday (30/07).
The exhibition, titled Learning through Art, is a visual celebration of South African artists and artworks for everyone to enjoy, with a special focus on the Gr. 10 to Gr. 12 Visual Art curriculums. The artworks were handpicked to optimise the learning experience for the learners so they can have the luxury to view works that are discussed in the classroom, and not only see it in the handbook. The exhibition is curated from Oliewenhuis Art Museum’s Permanent Collection, complimented by artwork loans courtesy of the Sanlam Art Collection.
Another exhibition, This is us: Celebrating 29 Years of Freedom, is an exhibition of the Art Bank of South Africa (ArtbankSA) dedicated to the working class, to those who have fought for democracy the restoration of human dignity, and for those who face imprisonment by poverty. Featuring artworks from the ArtbankSA’s Contemporary Art Collection, the exhibition give insight in the mundane lives of South Africans, mothers, fathers, children, and workers. As a resilient society we are reminded of our strengths and capabilities as we commemorate Freedom Day on 27 April and Worker’s Day on 1 May, and are reminded of those who fought, struggled greatly under oppression, and gave their lives for a greater cause.
“We are inspired to aspire to lead and fight for a better life for those who are in desperate need. We are reminded to be compassionate towards one another and lastly, we are reminded of how far South Africa has come,” said Karen Marais, senior exhibition officer at the museum.
The exhibition Let there be light, In plain sight employs the analogy of sight and light by drawing inspiration from colorful composite abstract artworks from the Oliewenhuis Art Museum’s permanent collection and ArtbankSA’s contemporary art collection, in an attempt to engage visitors, patrons, educators, and students alike to see art for what it is. The exhibition’s theme “In Plain Sight” has been mediated around the Namibian-born painter and printmaker Stanley Pinker’s painting “‘Modern Madonna” and employs the analogy of sight and light by drawing inspiration from colourful composite abstract artworks.
“As we occasionally wonder, amaze, laugh, and even cry about what life presents us, Let there be light: In plain sight finds expression in the open interpretation of the good, the bad, and the ugly that life presents to us,” said Marais.
