Pierneef at La Motte

I LOVE Jakob Hendrik Pierneef's work! Currently the Rupert Museum is exhibiting the Station Panels. But the Rupert family has, as part of their permanent collection, a gallery at La Motte with exquisite pieces! The collection is truly amazing and documents the evolution of Pierneef's life's work.

I love the landscapes, the colours are truly amazing... When one travels through the African landscape at sunrise and sunset one sees where these colours come from.

But somehow I think the trees trump the landscapes. The simplicity of the monochromatic prints just do it for me! Treat yourself for lunch or breakfast at the Pierneef Restaurant in Franschhoek and enjoy these gorgeous pieces!

Untamed TRIO...

The poetry that forms part of the Untamed exhibition is thought-provoking to say the least! Ian McCallum is a specialist in his field and very eloquent in what he says...

The Author of the building...

The author of the sculptures...

Dylan Lewis... untamed...

As you know by now... I am a HUGE fan of Dylan Lewis's works. My infatuation started with the big cats, and the exhibition at the Rupert Museum was just exquisite! Here are a few images from our walk-about with Dylan, which was arranged through the Friends of the South African National Gallery, it was well worth it!

Dylan's hands are as expressive when talking about his sculptures, as they are when creating them...

I secretly LOVE this little sculpture of the leopard and the human... one day when I am big I want to own one! ; )

The wing man is my favourite... a bit reminiscent of Icarus...

This setting I think is quite spectacular! A friend commented that it reminds her of Lady Anne Barnard's bath, Lady Anne might have gotten a bit of a fright if she spotted this reflection in her bath though! For me it congers up a feeling of Narcissus. I read strong mythological connections in the work... but maybe that's just me! And I have to admit that I was not thrilled when Dylan started moving away from the cats... but now I have been converted and LOVE these sculptures! Thanks for creating them Dylan!

Untamed...

Treat yourself! Go and experience the temporary "Untamed" exhibition in Kirstenbosch Gardens! It will be well worth it! The temporary pavillion was designed by Daffonchio Architects based in Johannesberg. I really like the rusted structure, it gives the feeling that the building is temporary, that nature will erode it untill nothing is left...

The exhibition comprises of three components, the structure, the sculpture & the poetry... The sculptures are by Dylan Lewis, whose work I just LOVE LOVE LOVE! And the poetry/writing by Ian McCallum who is an expert in his field! I bought his book Ecological Intelligence: Rediscovering Ourselves in Nature at the gallery shop and can't wait to start reading it!

The green wall is filled with indigenous plants in recycled 2L Coke bottles and are doing really well! I think the plants create a gorgeous wall to the structure!

We were lucky enough to have Dylan Lewis take us on a walk-about through the gallery and the sculptures located in the Gardens, but more about that a bit later! ; ) Enjoy the building/structure and the space for now!

TABLES ... and chairs I suppose...

Tables, tables, everywhere and so much good food too! I discovered this gorgeous cafe at Nitida wine farm last week, what a find! They are open for breakfast & lunch, Tuesdays to Sundays, hmmm such a lovely setting for a Sunday brunch!

I love the new shed structure that has been tucked onto the existing building! I think it has been done really sensitively and simply, which is always a great combination.

And a true test of a well designed place is what the bathrooms look like. And with all the natural light & ventilation the design touches are superb! Especially the Ladies encouraging the girls to "Keep calm & carry on".

But my favourite is the mens... cautioning the guys: "Hardwork never killed anyone but why take a chance?" What a classic! ; )