Art doesn’t require words. You won’t need a word of Afrikaans to visit the many galleries and exhibitions that are open to the public during the festival – most of them free.
The Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees takes place this year from 28 September to 6 October and the theme is “play”. Get your tickets at Quicket.
Visit the Stellenbosch University Museum in Ryneveld Street and see the extraordinary work of festival artist, Marlene Steyn. Born in Stellenbosch and exhibited all over the world, Marlene uses colour and fantasy to create landscapes that are dreamy, authentic and recognizable.
Stroll across to the Town Hall in Plein Street and be enthralled by the variety and exquisite artistry of the works that during the festival will go on auction to buyers from around the world. Curated by Teresa Lizamore under the banner of Strauss and Co, this exhibition is an opportunity to see the work of artists from across South Africa and to dip your toes into the rewarding world of art collecting.
The Stellenbosch Triennale Exhibition (Un)Earthed explores ceramics to draw out clues about the representation of our collective South African identities, past and present. Works are on display at the Voorgelegen Museum in Drop Street. The Stellenbosch Triennale aims to make Stellenbosch a destination for multi-disciplinary art in Africa by turning the town into a curated public exhibition that responds to society’s continual interrogation of the kind of people we want to be. Visit stellenboschtriennale.com/exhibitions/unearthed for more information.
If you are not quite sure what you should be seeing or feeling when you look at art, take one of the guided tours on offer. Tour the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden – one of the world’s most magnificent exhibitions of art in nature; be guided around the Rupert Museum by curator Eliz-Marie Schoonbee; learn about art and collecting from Strauss & Co’s Frank Kilbourn as he takes you through works from the company flagship auctions.
Listen to one of the many lectures by Strauss & Co enthusiasts that will give you insights into the different aspects of visual art. Talks on art and fashion, the workings of an auction house, impressions of the 2024 Vienna Biennale and so much more will leave you feeling as though you have encountered a whole new world.
Have you always wanted to know how artists work? This year you can visit more than 15 artists in their studios, and talk to them about their work, the way they create and see firsthand the spaces in which they bring their visions to life.
Take a short drive and visit the Blaauwklippen Wine Estate and tour the exhibition Beyond the page which looks at the synergy of art and literature, and the Woordfees Atelier, an exhibition of works by all of the artists participating in the studio visits programme. Don’t forget to taste some wines while you are there.
And as the sun sets take in Picasso, Pinotage and Piano, a sunset celebration of art, music and wine. And if you are staying late, wander over to Petites Bulles, the gorgeous champagne and music bar, for late night jazzy vibes where great South African talent, both new and legendary, can be experienced for free.
Get the full Visual arts programme here, and the complete Woordfees programme here.
