We have an array of exhibitions to come view and enjoy during this long weekend at Oliewenhuis Art Museum:
Between Meaning and Reality: The Art Bank of South Africa 2022 New Acquisitions Exhibition
Dates: On show until 18 June 2023
Venue: Oliewenhuis Art Museum (Main Building)
“Living is keeping the absurd alive. Keeping it alive is above all contemplating it” – Albert Camus
The annual Free State exhibition of the Art Bank of South Africa (ArtbankSA) that showcases the best of South African contemporary art by emerging artists. Exploring the meaning of life and the things we value, the exhibition features artworks selected and purchased from the 2022 submission window by the ArtbankSA.
This is us: Celebrating 29 Years of Freedom
Dates: On show until 30 July 2023
Venue: Oliewenhuis Art Museum (Reservoir)
Oliewenhuis Art Museum is excited to host This is us, an exhibition of the Art Bank of South Africa (ArtbankSA) dedicated to the working class, to those who have fought for democracy and restoration of human dignity and for those who face imprisonment by poverty.
Featuring artworks from the ArtbankSA Contemporary Art Collection the exhibition aims to spotlight the mundane lives of South Africans, mothers, fathers, children, and workers. As a resilient society we are reminded of our strengths and capabilities on national days as we commemorate Freedom Day on 27 April 2023 and Worker’s Day on 1 May 2023 and are reminded of those who fought, struggled greatly under oppression, and gave their lives for a greater cause. We are inspired to aspire to lead and fight for a better life for those who are in desperate need. We are reminded to be compassionate towards one another and lastly, we are reminded of how far South Africa has come.
Breath. Body. Art: Museums, Sustainability and Well-Being
Dates: On show until 25 June 2023
Venue: Oliewenhuis Art Museum (Annex Gallery)
Come and view this special exhibition curated in celebration of International Museum Day 2023. This global campaign highlights the role, value and significance of museums in society. This year’s theme, Museums, Sustainability and Well-Being explores how museums are key contributors to sustain communities, provide an inclusive safe environment and are uniquely placed to create a cascading effect to foster positive change. Artworks in this exhibition were selected from Oliewenhuis Art Museum’s Permanent Collection and the Art Bank of South Africa’s Contemporary Art Collection.
Threads of Visual Narratives: Traditional Artistry, Contemporary Art and National Heritage
Dates: On show until 3 December 2023
Venue: Oliewenhuis Art Museum (1st floor of Main Building)
An inter-disciplinary display of collected heritage items of the National Museum, Bloemfontein and Oliewenhuis Art Museum.
The Sculpture Park, comprising 16 sculptures by various South African sculptors, is the only one of its kind in the Free State.
Cement and Mosaic Project: During 2007, fourteen previously marginalized artists designed and created five functional sculptures in cement and mosaic in the gardens of Oliewenhuis Art Museum. This project was made possible through financial assistance provided by the Department of Arts and Culture.
The African Carousel focuses on introducing children to the concept of art in an unintimidating, fun way.
The Reservoir: In the back garden an underground water reservoir, dating from the early 1900s, has been converted into a distinctive exhibition space after a chance discovery. During the planning phase of the African Carousel at Oliewenhuis Art Museum in 1994, a site plan of the back garden was requested from the Department of Public Works. An underground construction north of the main building was indicated on the plan; the only access to the area was via a manhole. On further investigation a large underground reservoir was discovered containing approximately half a metre of water. The transformation of the underground reservoir in the Museum garden into an exhibition space began in 1996 and the project was completed in November 2002.
Walking Trails: Oliewenhuis Art Museum is surrounded by 12 hectares of natural vegetation on Grant’s Hill and there are three marked walking trails through this tranquil, unspoilt area.
Secure parking is available in front of the Museum. Parking fee: R10 per vehicle. Cash only.
Oliewenhuis Art Museum
16 Harry Smith Street, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
