Floral artists aim to exceed their vision

Four-day exhibition to open on Castle lawns

THE INAUGURAL Cape Town Flower Show, taking place at the Castle of Good Hope later this month, will feature an exhibition of more than 100 works of flowers in art by 36 South African artists.

The four-day garden show, modelled on the Chelsea Flower Show in London, aims to celebrate the Cape’s unique floral heritage with show gardens, talks, demonstrations, cut-flower arrangements and more.

It takes place from October 27 to 30.

The Epson Flowers in Art exhibition in the Governor’s House is being curated by art consultant and artist Carina du Randt, from Franschhoek.

“The artists were chosen for their authentic interaction, committed observation and insightful contemporary depictions of the natural world,” Du Randt said.

Du Randt, who hopes the show will encourage environmental awareness, said visitors could look forward to more than 100 artworks.

“The final selection will be made when all works are received, and the process of creating dialogues within the dynamic of the group show commences,” said Du Randt.

The artistic brief was “exceed your vision”.

“However, the artists had the freedom to interpret and apply the floral theme of the exhibition according to their personal perception and vision.”

Most of the artworks will be for sale. “A wide variety of work and range of prices will make it possible for entry- level collectors as well as established collectors to purchase some very valuable artworks,” said Du Randt.

The main attraction will be 20 show gardens created specifically for the event by some of the country’s top garden designers and landscapers.

Last week participants started laying out the outlines of the gardens on the lawns of the Castle. They will continue working until October 25, two THE CAPE Town Flower Show is at the Castle of Good Hope between October 27 and 30. Tickets are R180 for adults and R90 for children at the door. Discounted tickets aver available via Computicket. Workshops, talks and demonstrations must be booked separately. See www. capetownflowershow.co.za. days before the show begins.

The show, of which Weekend Argus is a media partner and which organisers hope will become an annual fixture on the Mother City’s events calendar, also includes talks, demonstrations, workshops, a “knock- out” cutflower arrangement competition called MasterFlorist and the latest in gardening accessories. jan.cronje@inl.co.za

PICTURES: RONEL HUMAN Erica by Ronel Human. Human is one of more than 30 artists exhibiting at the Epson Flowers in Art exhibition at the Cape Town Flower Show at the Castle of Good Hope.

Mountain Fynbos, by Ronel Human.