See the ‘heritage’of the paintings

Behind every painting there is a story, and these little "gems" are rarely revealed - but a current art exhibition at the George Museum has changed this.

Members of the South Cape Association of Visual Arts (Scava) got together in the spirit of our heritage and are showing their paintings with all things South African for the month of October.

The exhibition is distinguished from others by the fact that many of the artists share more than just their painting with the viewer.

Viewers can read the story of the artist, his or her working methods or the story behind the painting as a little extra.

For instance, artist Maura St John likes to paint big rocks, with trees growing out of the top. That is because, as a rock climber on Table Mountain, she would often come across trees firmly rooted in the crevices near the summit. The small trees are called "the climber's friends" because many mountaineers pull themselves up and over a ledge by grabbing the base of these strongly rooted little plants. Maura uses this as her signature subject.

She regards the trees as strong, tenacious, and reliable. But most of all, trees demonstrate the strength and determination of life to take root, succeed and thrive despite all odds, in environments subject to extremes.

The exhibition runs from

4 to 28 October in the George Museum. The doors are open daily from 10:00 until 16:00. Come enjoy the art pieces and read the stories behind them at the Museum Art Gallery.