The Norval Foundation and Mount Nelson have joined forces to present the ‘Mother City’ exhibition. Curated by RESERVOIR, this collaboration marks Mount Nelson’s 125th anniversary by infusing the legendary Belmond property with contemporary artworks from the Norval Foundation’s Collection.

Named after Cape Town’s historical moniker, ‘Mother City,’ the exhibition explores complex themes centred around the symbolic role of the mother as a source of care and community.

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RESERVOIR’s founders, Heinrich Groenewald and Shona van der Merwe, have curated a diverse selection of artworks from 16 prominent South African artists, exploring ideas of femininity, ancestry and social icons within the context of Cape Town.

The exhibited works span a range of mediums, including painting, photography, relief sculpture, tapestry and stitching.

Each artist brings a special perspective to the theme, with contributors such as Mia Chaplin, Georgina Gratrix, Nicholas Hlobo, Kudzanai-Violet Hwami and Zanele Muholi, among others, enriching the exhibition with their interpretations.

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Tiago Sarmento, general manager of Mount Nelson, emphasised the hotel’s role as a welcoming space for celebrating creativity and design from Africa and beyond.

The addition of artworks from the Norval Foundation’s Homestead Collection enriches Mount Nelson’s ongoing artistic endeavours, building on its legacy as a spot for cultural engagement.

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Head to Mount Nelson yourself to discover the stories woven into each artwork, offering fresh perspectives on tradition, identity, and the evolving narratives of the African art scene.

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Article originally written and published by Jules Keohane for Cape {town} Etc.