Dates: 30 October 2026 – 7 March 2027
Opening event: 18:00 on Thursday, 3 December 2026
Venue: Main Building, Oliewenhuis Art Museum, 16 Harry Smith Street, Bloemfontein
Come and explore the wonderful world of art!
What happens when you mix a little imagination, a splash of colour, some fun ideas and a whole lot of creativity? You get ART, BONONO, KUNS – The Lighter Side of Art!
This exciting exhibition brings together a delightful assortment of artworks from the Oliewenhuis Art Museum Permanent Collection and the ArtBankSA Contemporary Collection. Curated by Baitumetse Moloabi, Education Officer at Oliewenhuis Art Museum, the exhibition invites children to explore art in a fun, playful and imaginative way. And the best part? Everyone, young and old, is welcome and sure to enjoy the experience.
This mostly friendly and playful exhibition is curated with artworks that invoke a free and imaginative, almost childlike, view on art – even on the more serious or darker themed artworks. Art is a little like magic. Artists use colours, shapes, lines, textures and all kinds of materials to share their thoughts, feelings and ideas – without always using words. Some artworks might make you smile or laugh, while others might surprise you, make you curious or even give you a little fright! You might discover imaginary worlds, funny characters, beautiful everyday scenes or artworks that make you stop and think. All this make the world of art a gorgeous blend of reality, fiction and feelings.
There are no right or wrong ways to experience art. Everyone sees and feels something different, so take your time, look closely, let your imagination run wild and see what each artwork means to you. You never know what you might discover!
The exhibition celebrates the many ways people create and enjoy art. It includes artworks made using different materials and techniques, from paintings and sculptures to other exciting forms of visual expression. The artworks range from pieces created a 100 years ago to more recent works by contemporary or present-day artists, such as artworks by Jodi Bieber and Free State based artists Victor Geduld and Vuyisele Adoons. Esther Mahlangu and Helen Sebedi represents the living legends and other iconic artists represented include Lucas Sithole, Walter Batiss and Maggie Laubser.
The title, ART, BONONO, KUNS, means art in English, Sesotho and Afrikaans. It celebrates the different languages and cultures that make up our community, while reminding us that art is something we can all enjoy.
So, this holiday season, bring your family, invite your friends or come along with your own inner child! Step into the gallery, explore the artworks, ask questions, share your ideas and discover just how fun and surprising art can be.
Save the date: A special celebration for children!
Children will be the special guests of the ‘opening’ event to celebrate Art, Bonono, Kuns on 3 December 2026 at 18:00. You are welcome to use the opportunity to dress up or show up in fancy dress to add to the celebration, but make sure you are comfortable and ready to enjoy a fun filled evening as start of the summer holidays.
The exhibition can be viewed in the Main Building of Oliewenhuis Art Museum until Sunday, 7 March 2027. Oliewenhuis Art Museum is located at 16 Harry Smith Street, Bloemfontein and is open to the public from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 17:00, and on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays between 09:00 and 16:00. Please note that the main gate closes to new arrivals at 16:30 on weekdays and 15:30 on weekends; however, visitors already inside are welcome to enjoy the museum until closing time. A ramp at the main entrance provides wheelchair access for wheel chairs, while a lift provides access to the Permanent Collection display areas on the 1st floor. R10 parking fee will be charged but entrance to the museum is free.
For more information on Oliewenhuis Art Museum please contact the Museum at 078 968 4300 or oliewen@nasmus.co.za. Stay up to date by following Oliewenhuis Art Museum on Facebook, Instagram and X for all upcoming exhibitions and events.
