In celebration of Women’s Month, the Oliewenhuis Art Museum and the Art Bank of South Africa are featuring a unique exhibition of vintage handbags.
The handbags are paired with works of art selected from the collections of both Oliewenhuis and the Art Bank.
Mindful of the ever-present stereotype that women are often defined by what they wear and how they look, the handbag serves as a metaphor for the strength women carry within. This includes, but is not limited to resilience, determination, resourcefulness, compassion, creativity, wisdom, hope, and a sense of humor.
It also alludes to what women carry in their hands and arms − a mother carrying her child, a student carrying books, a single mother carrying grocery bags, and so on.
In life, women already have all the tools they need to succeed. The handbag − albeit stylish, bold, and fabulous − is just a sidekick. Female power is the real force.
The exhibition will be on show until 16 November.
Entry at Oliewenhuis is free, but access to parking spaces will cost R10, cash only.
