As the Cape Winelands welcomes summer, October 2023 marks the inauguration of Boschendal x Brundyn, an exhibition venue featuring a curated, rotating selection of artwork. The venue invites guests to engage in its historic farm setting.
After a brief closure in the winter, the transformed Manor House gallery now offers a calendar of exhibits and learning events in collaboration with art consultancy Brundyn Arts & Culture (BA&C). This establishes it as a must-visit locale for art enthusiasts and collectors.
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Previously functioning as an extension of Cape Town’s Norval Foundation, the Manor House enjoys a scenic setting under a canopy of oak trees. The space, which Elana Brundyn of BA&C oversees, serves as a hub for developing art scenes in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Open to a broad and varied audience, the venue welcomes guests with the message ‘Art is for everyone,’ encouraging a journey of art exploration both inside and outside its walls.
‘Boschendal’s accessibility, beautiful location and incredible facilities make it a drawcard for people from near and far. It’s one of the many reasons this is not an exhibition space aimed only at an art audience but at the general public. Visitors might stumble on the space by chance and then be intrigued by what they see,’ Brundyn notes.
The Manor House itself adds charm to the displayed art with its timeless Cape Dutch-style design and selective antiques that pay homage to the farm’s long-standing history. A recent refurbishment introduces new elements to optimise the visitor experience, such as a relaxing lounge where guests can appreciate the art and the view, possibly while enjoying a glass of Boschendal MCC or a cheese platter.
Another room offers an attractive collection of gifts, books and art pieces available for purchase, featuring mini sculptures by artists like Frank van Reenen and Githan Coopoo. The space is peppered with playful details, including humorous touches on the bathroom walls, courtesy of Coopoo’s wallpaper designs.
Additional attractions include a variety of sculptures dispersed in the vicinity of the exhibition space, each curated to resonate with the venue’s design and the farm’s environment. Visitors can explore these works along a marked sculpture path that will expand as new pieces are introduced.
BA&C focuses primarily on multidisciplinary artists from Southern Africa and its diaspora, highlighting both emerging talents and established artists. The opening exhibits feature works by Gabrielle Kruger and Peter Cohen, both inspired by the natural world.
Upcoming events include a group show with artists like Igshaan Adams, Pierre Fouche and Lukhanyo Mdingi, as well as a stunning solo exhibit by Lebohang Kganye to coincide with the Cape Town Art Fair.
Under the Boschendal x Brundyn banner, further initiatives include an artist residency programme and a creative discussion space, covering topics ranging from conservation to technology.
Whether it’s the exquisite exhibits, educational programmes, or the chance to purchase unique art pieces, there’s an abundance of reasons to plan a trip to this fresh, inviting art hub in the Cape Winelands.
Boschendal x Brundyn is open seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm, and extends its hours to 7pm during the Boschendal Friday Night Market.
The farm is located on Pniel Road in Simondium, near Franschhoek.
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Picture: Supplied
