Kirstenbosch Biennale 2008

A show and exhibition of botanical fine art

The 2008 edition of the Kirstenbosch Biennale - an exhibition of fine botanical art - is all set to happen from 10 - 24 September 2008.

The Kirstenbosch Biennale was inaugurated in 2000, with exhibitions held again in 2002, 2004 & 2006. The aim of this Cape Town flower exhibition is to celebrate and honour southern Africa’s rich and varied floral heritage, and to this end, only southern African flora is exhibited.

From small beginnings, with 37 local artists’ works accepted for the 2000 show and 41 in 2002, the number rose to 51 in 2004 and 64 in 2006, with a growing number of prominent international artists participating.

Each of the 50 botanical artists will exhibit four artworks for this year's Kirstenbosch Biennale, of which two from each artist will be for sale.

The burgeoning interest in botanical art worldwide is becoming more apparent, especially through the ever-improved quality of botanical art being produced in southern Africa, such as that which will be on show at the Biennale.

The 2008 Kirstenbosch Biennale will get off the ground on the 9th of September with an opening and awards ceremony. The panel of judges will include respected botanical artists and botanists.

In judging the works, judges will look at:

• The botanical accuracy of the works
• Sensitivity in the rendition of the plants
• The artist’s painting and drafting skills
• The composition of the paintings
• The overall unity & aesthetic appeal of the exhibit

Kirstenbosch Biennale 2008

Date: 10 – 24 September 2008
Venue: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Location: Cape Town

Artists' Walkabout Programme:
Venue: Old Mutual Conference Centre
11:00 Wednesday 10 September GILL CONDY
13:00 Thursday 11 September DIANA CARMICHAEL
11:00 Saturday 13 September KAREN STEWART
13:00 Wednesday 17 September MERLE HUNTLEY
11:00 Wednesday 24 September VICKI THOMAS

Specialist Talks Programme:
Venue: Old Mutual Conference Centre
11:00 Saturday 20 September TED OLIVER will give a talk on ‘Ericas in Botanical Art’.

Exhibition Dates:
10 – 24 September 2008
9:00–17:00 DAILY
Entry to Exhibition and Walks & Talks FREE
VENUE: Old Mutual Conference Centre, Visitors’ Centre
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens


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