As if we needed another reason to take a trip to the Stellenbosch Winelands, Boschendal, in partnership with Brundyn Arts and Culture (check out its landmark opening exhibition in Cape Town), has reopened the gallery at the historic Manor House with two solo exhibitions by Peter Cohen (Colour in Black & White) and Gabrielle Kruger (Paint Innings).  The exhibitions are open to the public and run from 7 October to 19 November 2023.

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Coinciding with the emergence of Spring – a time of renewal, hope, and inevitable change – this exhibition offers a unique approach to the landscape genre and reflects on our relationship with built and natural environments. Kruger and Cohen, each with close links to architecture and spatial design, demonstrate a sensitivity to the material considerations of artmaking and how their practice is informed by the world around them. While formally and conceptually distinct, both artists explore the wellspring of their respective environments and reflect on their capacity for growth and discovery as well as their thematic opposites – ruin and decay. It seems apt then, that while the air is marked by an inexplicable yet palpable gladness and anticipation it is also a season as described by Emily Dickinson imbued with “a quality of loss”.

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Accordingly, the meeting of these two contemporary artists in the heart of the Cape Winelands set against the striking milieu of the Drakenstein Valley, prompts viewers to (re)consider their interactions with the earth and encourages reflection on our relationship with synthetic and natural materials.

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Boschendal X Brundyn is a unique commercial partnership that presents quality exhibitions and educational art events. Both solo exhibitions open 7 October and run until 19 November 2023. The Boschendal x Brundyn Art Gallery is open 7 days a week from 9h00 to 17h00.

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Thinking of staying in Stellenbosch? Check out these Art Houses in the area

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Brenaissance Manor House

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This sprawling property features high ceilings, contemporary and comfortable furniture, and a covered veranda leading out to the pool that has magnificent views of the Stellenbosch mountainscape.

Inspired by its natural surroundings, each of its 4 bedrooms (3 king and 1 loft) with en-suite bathrooms, have a garden or mountain view.

The centerpiece of this home is the old farmhouse kitchen with a walk-in fridge – a chef’s dream! There’s also a gym with garden views, a covered outdoor lounge area that overlooks the pool, and a front veranda that looks onto the surrounding farmlands.

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Check out Brenaissance Manor House

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Olive Garden Villa

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Hidden in the cleft of a valley between the vineyards, the 2-bedroom Olive Garden Villa is ideal for a single family, or two couples, with a spacious lounge and living area giving onto an open kitchen. Bookshelves come well-stocked, as does the fridge and pantry, filled with local treats to make yourself at home.

A landscaped garden of indigenous fynbos surrounds the villa, while a private plunge pool offers the perfect splashdown after a day of winelands exploring.

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Check out Olive Garden Villa

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Views Forever

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Views Forever is a contemporary retreat accommodating up to eight guests in four spacious en-suite bedrooms.

Generous living areas lined with glass mean that no matter where in the house you are, you'll always be able to enjoy the incredible views.

Ideally suited to multi-gen holidays or getaways with friends – highlights include a pool and loungers, outdoor pizza oven and barbecue, rain showers in the bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen.

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Check out Views Forever

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