We as humans display, explore and examine the natural world, trying to understand it, sometimes taking advantage of it and also ultimately conserving and protecting it, or pieces of it. There is a beauty to be seen, appreciated and respected in everything that surrounds us. When we realize this, and experience it constantly, it might awaken the need and desire to protect living creatures so that museums don’t end up being the only place where we can view creatures, plants and ‘specimens’ from nature.
Part of the exhibition:
Walk This Earth Alone
Environmental Group Exhibition at Gallery @ Grande Provence, Franschhoek ~ Curated by Carina Bekker and Stefanie Schoeman | Sunday, 12 August 2012 – 26 September 2012
The significant singular role that human beings play in the conservation of our environment resulted in an exhibition inspired by the personal interaction with and perception of the natural world by participating artists. This exhibition creates an awareness of a wide range of environmental matters that will ultimately inspire the conservation or destruction of the environment that we choose to live in, from the perspective that we walk this earth alone.
Contributing artists include Katie Barnard du Toit, Jean Lampen, Jotam Schoeman, Nicole Munro, Danelle Malan, Sanmarie Harms, Janet Botes, Noelene Kleve, Juria le Roux, Ingrid Bolton, Johanna de Meillon, Erika Suter, Corlene du Randt, Yolanda Warnich, Neil Visser, Ingrid Coerlin, Kay Fourie, Hetta Vontsteen-Pieterse, Estelle Knoesen, Emma Willemse, Riaan Chambers, Erika Prinsloo among others.
“Environmental awareness, whether it be as an individual or in a group, starts with that person or group experiencing some kind of a connection to the natural world. A point of entry: Care, Concern, Gratitude, Wonder… Awe… For artists, it is this connection to our environment that spurs expression – action! It is this connection that fuels and inspires us and gives us the ability to fuel and inspire others. In this light, we propose a show … a show about nature. Not necessarily an environmental show but a show firmly rooted in environmental principles. All the artists participating in the show, do this from their own connection with (experience of) the natural world.”
– Stefanie Schoeman