For Immediate Release
“Kalahari Hotel 2024” — An Exhibition as part of a major project for a BA Honours in Fine Art, by Karen Stander
Dates: 25 October 2024 to 29 October 2024
Opening Reception: 25 October 2024 at 18:30
Venue: Langvlei Farm. Station Road, Riebeek West.
Experience a Unique Artistic Journey Inspired by Sociable Weaver Birds
Kalahari Hotel 2024 is a personal and evocative exhibition. At the heart of this work are the intricate wire nests inspired by the communal structures of sociable weaver birds, known for building vast, multi-chambered nests in the Kalahari Desert and other localised parts of South Western Africa. These nests symbolise home, community, and the delicate balance between protection and confinement.
Karen Stander has created sculptures with wire, inviting viewers to explore themes of care, loss, and reconnecting with nature. Drawing on personal experiences, particularly the loss of a child, the work embodies the tension between nurturing and letting go, both in human and natural relationships.
The exhibition opens with an address by Professor Robert Thomson from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology at the University of Cape Town. This talk will bridge the gap between the natural world and the artist’s reflection on care and protection, providing a scientific and philosophical context to the work and offering viewers a rich, multi-layered experience.
Why It’s Worth Experiencing
“Kalahari Hotel 2024” uniquely combines art, nature, and personal storytelling. The wire nests, with their transparent layers and intricate design, create an otherworldly environment that invites contemplation on the human need for safety and the complex relationships between species. The exhibition presents both a personal narrative and a broader reflection on interconnectedness in life, making it a compelling experience for art lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a meaningful exploration of care and community.
About the Artist
Karen Stander is a fine artist based in the Riebeek Valley. She focuses on sculpture, drawing, and installation art. Her work often explores themes of home, care, and the tension between security and isolation. This exhibition, part of her major project for her BA Honours in Fine Arts, reflects on ongoing research into the communal nests of sociable weavers, drawing parallels between natural structures and human emotional landscapes.
Where & When
The exhibition runs from 25 October 2024 to 29 October 2024 at Langvlei Farm, Riebeek West. Visitors can experience a walkabout with the artist.
Images, a video, and insights from the exhibition will be available online for those unable to attend in person.
Interview Opportunities
Karen Stander will be available for interviews on the days of the exhibition. Media inquiries can be directed to info@karenstanderart.com.