On the outskirts of the Stellenbosch University campus, a small university museum and art gallery hides betwixt the old oak trees. Stellenbosch, in Afrikaans, is sometimes called "Eikestad" or "Oak City". On rainy days, the building itself offers wonders for the eyes as it becomes a kind of artwork contrasted against the sky. (Below I showcase some of these winter rainy photographs.) The building also offers cultural artifacts of local historical groups but also old historical artifacts related to the university itself. The building was first a girl's school pre-1920s, now it houses some of South Africa's biggest names, such as the South African painter Maggie Laubser.
So please join me on this virtual tour of this fantastic building and museum in Stellenbosch South Africa!
The building itself is a historical monument. It is really well-maintained and offers such a beautiful contrast against the blue skies.
The paint is fresh. The building feels new but old at the same time. It symbolizes the old and new in one. I have walked past this building for about 15 years now. It never gets old. Most of the buildings in Stellenbosch are historical buildings. This is just one amongst many others.
I never knew that the museum also houses historical artifacts. In the back of the room, rather tucked away, you will find a small section of artifacts most likely from the area or from historical professors who worked on the history of these artifacts.
Take, for example, this initiation dress. It is something we are not used to, but it is most probably still used today. My ignorance showcases here as I do not know if it is still used today.
Some others as well:
It is interesting how we humans find difference and place it in museums. What is it in difference from ourselves that attracts us so much? It is really interesting. (Somewhat worrisome, but that is left for another discussion!)
There is no clear logic (for me) in the way they exhibit the art. Mixed between the old and the new, one is in for a treat to see some of South Africa's biggest names. Here are some of the new artworks:
One can easily tell by the style that they are quite post-modern, if I can use this stereotype now like that. But mixed between these post-modern works, are various old classics. One whole room is dedicated to Maggie Laubser but here are some of the other old classical work dated from 1820's to 1930's:
And there are also some strange sculptures with their own political meanings:
The whole building is decorated with historical artifacts related to the university itself.
I hope you enjoyed this virtual tour with me through the historical university museum and art gallery. The mixture and juxtaposition of historical and modern works are truly amazing when you see them next together. I hope you will visit here when you come to South Africa. It is even free of charge!
All of the writing is my own albeit inspired by the artworks and historical artifacts. The photographs are my own taken with my iPhone. The artworks are obviously also not mine, I am also not making money from them in this post. The post merely a tour through the gallery.
Stay safe, and happy travels!
